Being in charge requires accountability, confidence, empathy, courage, and selflessness. You’ll need these 5 traits as a Head Coach to be willing and able to make tough decisions. #DailyMight
I feel like the requirement for being a great coach keeps changing in youth sports. And that’s really unfortunate because I don’t think it ever should. Fancy schemes, slick new drills, compilation of talent. Each of those has the potential to change from year to year. In fact, I would almost say it’s guaranteed to change year over year. It’s time to define what being a great coach really means once and for all. I’ll go first.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Being in charge in youth sports (really in anything), surely requires some expertise in what you are leading. I think that’s a given. You’ll always need to keep learning the nuances of the sport, or task, etc. But more importantly leadership requires vision. You need a plan to execute otherwise you’ll end up in chaos – or incredibly lucky. But you’ll also come across some failures, and you’ll have to make some tough decision. So above all, you’ll need these 5 traits to lead well.
Accountability
Leadership is about coordinating efforts to a common goal. The goal changes, and is different from situation to situation, but the act of coordinating followers requires you to hold them, and yourself accountable. Give out instructions, assign tasks and layout a skill building plan. But ensure the coordination is aligned with the goal, whatever it is. Hold people accountable (model it for them) to instruction, and what they say they they are going to do. Always.
Confidence
If you’re going to lead, coordinate, and navigate tough decisions – you’ll need confidence. Confidence in all aspects of the role. The confidence to try new things too – or to keep learning. Leadership can be lonely at the top, so having the confidence in yourself and your team to keep moving forward becomes paramount. Learn to leverage your confidence.
Empathy
I hate the phrase the leader is always right because that insinuates that there’s only one way of doing it. Having empathy means you’re willing to hear and empathize with different perspectives. But, you’re still the leader – so hear the perspective, be open for the new path – but have the knowledge to stop discussion and make a final decision when needed. The leader doesn’t always make the right choice (that is dependent on the information available), but they are likely always required to make a choice.
Courage
Strong leaders have courage. They aren’t afraid to make tough decisions or shy away from challenges – and usually are out front leading the charge. Where one might be scared or frightened to decide or push through, courageous leaders say “why not me.” Courageous coaches are strong in the face of adversity. They are level headed and provide strength to their athletes.
Selflessness
Big ideas are often faced with opposition. Tough decisions are met with tension and grief. But the strong coach doesn’t lead for themselves, they lead to serve their athletes. Great coaches focus on being an influencer, not a dictator. They know the skills and character traits that it takes, and want to pass that info to their athletes. They want success for their athletes first, then themselves. They are more concerned with the needs and wishes of others then one’s own.
Being in charge, being the coach, requires dignity, grace, and compassion. It requires you to make tough decisions, and be out front while you do that. By adding accountability, confidence, empathy, courage, and selflessness to your toolbox, you’ll have the 5 must have traits as a Head Coach to succeed. I know you will, you’re going to be great.
Give everything your everything. And then some.
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