Creating A Vision for the Season
Athletes believe in the vision when it becomes apparent that it is beneficial for the athlete to follow the vision. This and two other key components of a strong vision.
Leaders are tasked, and rightfully so, with showing people the future. The best leaders do it enthusiastically by helping others: Believe the future is bright, that right will win out, and that the message will be accepted. Great leaders have seen over the mountaintop, and can’t wait to bring others there too. #DailyMight
I learned early on that a key component to a successful season is making sure that I knew the direction I was going to lead the team. Somewhere early in the season (preferably at the beginning of the season parent meeting), it has to be determined by the leader what success looks like when the last whistle blows. Creating a vision early on helps align goals – individually and as a team – so growth can be matched with success. Creating the vision usually includes three criteria; Where are we going? How are we going to get there? And do I have your buy-in? Here’s how to make your vision worth buying into.
Believe the Future is Bright.
Strong leaders have the foresight to lead followers in a direction that is beneficial to them. That does not mean that the vision is up to the followers (or based on individual needs), but it does mean that the leader must connect the buy-in from the followers in terms of supporting the vision. The vision must include satisfaction of successfulness to the followers. It also must bring satisfaction (and success) if the vision is attained.
Believe That Right Will Win Out.
Hard work, high level effort, and consistent intentness all bring out the best of athletes and coaches. This part of the vision is the how. High effort and hard work happen in the how. So does preparedness, knowledge acquisition, and supporting teammates. The vision includes the proper steps (practice plans, desired character traits, and standards) that help athletes move towards the vision by completing them at the highest level of effort.
Believe the Message Will Be Accepted.
Accepting the vision through an athlete’s eyes – and heart – is through buy-in. Athletes believe in the vision when it becomes apparent that it is beneficial for them to follow the vision. Without the connector of success for the athlete and success of accomplishing the vision, it’s nearly impossible to get the hard work and high-level effort required to execute at a high level. Every vision must be delivered by a plan, the intent, and execution, that indicates improvement for the athlete.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
The easiest way to lead is to know where you’re going. Having a strong vision that matches the successfulness of the vision to the most ideal outcome for all involved – is extremely vital for a season. When you take the time to create a vision worth buying into, your athletes get the benefit of knowing the roadmap ahead of time to grow as players and people throughout the season. Build a vision that ensures the future is bright, brings out the best of all involved, and will be received because it’s beneficial. Do that, and you’re already ahead of the game.
Give everything your everything. And then some.
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