From the Ed Thomas Foundation

Thanks Steve S:

The Code of the West

John Wayne and the old westerns have always been a favorite of mine. I read a book, “The Code of the West” by James P Owen. As I read the code, I couldn’t help but think of Coach Thomas. The values and character of the Old West remind me of the things he would share with his teams or with an audience when he spoke at a school, a clinic or to a group.

The Cowboy Code of Ethics is more than knowing right from wrong, it was living up to a set of standards and principles. It is a combination of the Golden Rule, discipline, dedication and a strong work ethic. That is the same message Coach Thomas tried to teach and live.

CODE OF THE WEST

1.    LIVE EACH DAY WITH COURAGE

2.    TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK

3.    ALWAYS FINISH WHAT YOU START

4.    DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE

5.    BE TOUGH, BUT FAIR

6.    WHEN YOU MAKE A PROMISE – KEEP IT

7.    RIDE FOR THE BRAND

8.    TALK LESS AND SAY MORE

9.    REMEMBER THAT SOME THINGS AREN’T FOR SALE

10. KNOW WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE

(Click the button at the bottom to read the full breakdown of each code.)

This Code of the West is the basic principles of right and wrong, the core values of courage, honor, integrity and self-control. This is the same foundation that Coach Thomas tried to build in his athletes and students. Team chemistry and culture is something that is a popular topic in athletics these days. It is hard to explain or define, but it’s definitely something that you can see and feel on a team. Wearing the same jerseys does not make a team– it’s a feeling and a bond that must be built from within. Coach Thomas had a great way of developing and building team chemistry. While it was something that he understood, he continued to study and learn more about building culture. While not a cowboy in the true sense of the word, Coach Thomas lived up to that code.

Here is the Cowboy Prayer that is used before many rodeos.

“We do ask, Lord, that you will help us live our lives here on earth as cowboys, in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green, and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear and deep, that you’ll take us by the hand and say, Welcome to Heaven cowboy, your entry fees are paid.”

Your Challenge

What are the points of this code that you already practice? What ones do you need to work on? Think of the Code of the West the next time you need to make a decision.

Respectfully,
Neil Phipps & the Ed Thomas Family Foundation