Doubling Down On Dumb
Every coach feels dumb at some point. What if we leaned into the feeling instead of being threatened by it?
Every coach feels dumb at some point. But what if we leaned into the feeling of not being the smartest person in the room instead of being threatened by it? Leveraging the intellect amongst other coaches and mentors in our circle kick starts our desire to improve. #DailyMight
I love the phrase “if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Through the years it’s taken on different meanings for me, but the one I’m most in favor of involves keeping a growth mindset, even after being elevated to the top. A leadership path similar to a coach’s ascension to the position of Head Coach.
I’ve had the pleasure of serving some really talented, smart and charismatic Head Coaches. I’ve had the pleasure of serving the opposite as well. Both have taught me a thing or two about being a successful head coach in youth sports. Not always, but I will say mostly, the Head Coaches who are most likely to be successful had a room full of smart people (ahem, assistant coaches and mentors). And they likely weren’t the smartest. I know I wasn’t.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
The ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances is more than just having the knowledge of the task at hand (which is helpful, don’t get me wrong). Wisdom in the moment however, comes from experience. Experience gained likely from those in your room. Every coach will come to a point in the season where they will feel dumb. A situation will arise where they don’t have the experience, knowledge, or skillset to navigate it alone.
I remember early on in my coaching journey I’d run from those situations. I was embarrassed that I was dumb. I’ve learned that not knowing everything isn’t the sign of a weak coach, it’s a sign of a self-aware coach. It’s why I filled my room with all-stars. And why I’m encouraging your to do the same. Leveraging the intellect amongst other coaches and mentors in our circle kick starts our desire to improve. And I’ve yet to meet a successful coach who didn’t want to improve.
Give everything your everything. And then some.
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