Early on in my coaching career I remember several times where I was out coached. I knew the game of hockey, but I had yet to learn when and how to use strategy and positioning to my advantage. In an important game, that ended our season, I had called a play in the offensive zone that left us vulnerable to an opposing odd man rush with little time left. A few bad bounces and the puck ended up in our net shortly after.
If we make it our habit to confess our sins, in his faithful righteousness He forgives us for those sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
1 john 1:9-10
I had put the kids in an unfavorable spot that just cost us the game. I had made a terrible coaching error. Coaching, as in leadership, follows the mantra of give the credit and take the blame. In this case it was easy to take the blame, it was my fault. Here’s what I did next next.
Choosing to take responsibility for an error involves four (4) key steps.
Own the error.
Errors happen. In a culture of improvement and development, we are encouraged to get out of our comfort zone. That’s where growth happens. Sometimes we have yet to master a skill, a concept, or a process (in this case a play) and we make an error determining that. Admitting the error, vocalizing it and empowering yourself for correction is where the magic starts.
Deal with it swiftly, honestly, and as completely as possible.
In my post game speech, I accepted the blame for the outcome. The kids played their positions as they were instructed. It was my call, my direction that led them to be put in a difficult position which limited their success. So I asked for forgiveness of my players. I explained my reasoning for calling the play, and explained that I missed some key parameters. I took ownership of the bad call, because it was a bad call.
Pledge to not make the same mistake twice.
It’s important to know the difference between an error and a mistake. An error is something you don’t know, or have yet to learn. Mistakes are an accident. You know, you just didn’t do better. My call was an error, but I was committed to not making it a mistake the next time I was put in that situation. I needed to learn more.
Move on. Learn from it, but don’t dwell.
Navigating through fault is a delicate and humbling experience. We tend to shy away from acknowledging it, because it’s easier. I encourage you not to take the easy route. Identify the error, apologize for the error, but don’t dwell on it. Learn from it, figure out the plan for not replicating it, but quickly move on. Easier said than done, I know. But trust what He has laid out for us.
We left the locker room after the game. That play isn’t talked about much, even though it ended our season – and a chance for a playoff win. I went home that night and immediately started learning all I could about play calling in the last minute of games. I had made a commitment to my players and myself. I’ve made better calls since.
I remember being nervous after the game to start the process of what happens next after fault. I was afraid to ask for forgiveness knowing the stakes where so high. Jesus laid out the framework for me in 1 John. But it was the players who modeled grace that night. I pledged to be better, and learn from it. I asked for forgiveness and the right to move on. They happily granted it.
Give everything your everything. And then some.
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