It’s Just Words Coach
Coaching means that the good ones always model behavior and expectations that we are demanding. Details matter, like no swear words. Here’s a few more convictions that you can lean on to lead you and your team in the right direction, just like I do.
Leadership to me is demonstrating a knowledgeable, compassionate, and devoted lifestyle that empowers others. What other character traits do you or those around you exhibit that makes them great leaders? #DailyMight
There’s a reason that you’ll never hear swear words (or anything derogatory for the that matter) in the music that is played from teams that I coach. Music is a ritual for kids and adults alike. The small detail of no swear words that I vehemently protect plays a giant role in modeling effective leadership for young athletes. At this point, I’ve had hundreds of kids try and tell me that it’s not that big of a deal and “it’s just words coach.” And every time I prove to them over the course of a season that it is very much a big deal.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
EPHESIANS 4:29
Leadership is a demonstration, in all areas of your life, and at all times. The knowledge that a leader possesses in which they desire to pass on to followers is very important. But what is even more important is the way that their leadership is demonstrated, consistently, and in a continuous manner. Coaching is a lifestyle, not a title (a really awesome title by the way). Coaching means that the good ones always model behavior and expectations that we are demanding. Details matter, like no swear words. Here’s a few more convictions that you can lean on to lead you and your team in the right direction, just like I do.
Godliness
Anyone that spends any amount of time around me will know that I am a godly man. From praying for, and to my players, to following scripture and teaching his word, to serving at my local church. Godliness runs deep through my veins. I’m lucky to have a leadership teacher like Jesus to learn and model and relish in the opportunity to digest scripture daily. Among other things, God talks about cursing in the book of Ephesians – and now you know why it doesn’t happen in my locker rooms.
Integrity
There’s always time to do the right thing, always. As a man of integrity, I treat team members, coaching staff, and other adults and kids around the game of hockey with respect and compassion. I am empathetic, and honest. I have strong moral principles and do the right thing, even behind a closed door. No matter the situation, I am helpful and supportive.
Humbleness
Leadership is weird in that the judge of success should and is always evidenced by the success of followers (not the success of the leader). I understand that as a coach I am nothing in the sport of hockey without the contributions of those that I lead. I take that responsibility very seriously and am thankful of those entrusted in my care. My success as a couch and leader is directly proportional to the success of those I’m coaching the game, not how well I can play the game.
One of my strongest attributes as a coach is that I live wholeheartedly the lifestyle that I teach and coach to. A lifestyle that includes positive and swear free music (and lots of kick drum) that my players listen to before competition. There is no detail too small. As a godly man who is humble and leads with integrity – these are the traits that I exhibit. I encourage you, as you coach this season, to examine the traits that you exhibit as a leader. What do they say about your lifestyle as a mentor for our athletes?
Give everything your everything. And then some.
If you’d like, connect with me on Twitter and Facebook, where I’ll share near daily insight on helping you navigate youth sports.
