Slogans, values and brand

Commodore George Anson was on a mission to challenge and defeat a Spanish fleet and capture their treasure galleon. He was a flag captain on H.M.S. Centurion in 1740.


He set off with 2000 British sailors and marines in 6 ships to round the Horn of Africa and take the European war into the pacific.


In 2 years of sailing and struggling, including shipwrecks, scurvy, chaos, shocking storms and accidents, the fleet was reduced down to 1 ship and 250 men. From 2000!


To save the whole endeavour he sought the Spanish treasure ship, Covadonga in waters near the Philippines. If the English found her, it would be a desperate battle of floating timber fortresses in the wild of the ocean. “Prepare or perish” he stated as the Centurion patrolled the far side of the world. His crew did.

It’s a sensational line; prepare or perish. A central theme, a value to guide their efforts. A mantra to live and strive by. Prepare or perish.


There is a popular theme in Australian Frisbee teams at the moment. Each team identifies a trio of words to guide their campaign, behaviour and play. 3 Values. Everyone does it, the senior teams, the men, the women, the U24s, probably the U20s as well. Less so the Masters age, it’s a different vibe with the over age types.

The first time I ever heard of a triumvirate of values was from the undisputed champions of 2009-2013 San Fransisco Revolver. Everyone knew Revolver and everyone had heard their Intensity, Humility, Discipline values set.

The first time I experienced anything like that myself was in my last Aussie Dingoes team in 2016. We built an Excellence, Passion, Community framework and measured ourselves against it at every evening meeting. In the same year the Women’s team had a Form, Fire, Focus shorthand for their team dynamic.


It’s taken as a given these days with most National frisbee teams, that you’ve got to choose your version of core values, and craft your frisbee business on those pillars. I have a gnawing fear that as a community we’re straying dangerously close to cliché territory.


I do believe it is critical that a team has a shared vision, a united purpose and accessible language to guide and measure their culture. I also think this could take a number of forms. Three values could be the answer, but so could a slogan or a statement, perhaps a code of conduct, a ‘no dickheads policy’ even. It’s actually not the words that matter so much as the actions that happen in the small quiet moments at training, in the kitchen and in the down time with teammates. As well as at 10-all in your elimination quarter final when you’ve got to get a block and a goal. What you do matters then too.


Culture is impactful, values are important. Teams and groups looking at each other and saying what is expected and what they’ll each do for the team is critical. The best form for that agreement should suit the team and suit the message.


Prepare or perish.