Coaching and Leadership

Coaching and Leadership

There is no one blueprint that can be followed that guarantees success for a coach, but there are guidelines which if utilised regularly will build the foundation of success.
1-    First things first:  Meet with the assistant coaches, management and senior players as often as possible.  Ensure that you are all heading towards the same goals and that you are united on how you intend achieving these.  There can never be too many meetings and discussions.
2-    Start with small successes:  Plan to hit the first games with a plan based on where your team is most likely to be successful. That means concentrating on no more than a couple of aspects of the game and practicing them thoroughly.  Success can be measured by how well your team does in these aspects rather than a victory on the scoreboard, although a win would be better!
3-    Always sweat the small stuff:  You must get the detail right and know what will make it work on the paddock. It is imperative that the couple of aspects you have chosen are not glossed over, but are studied and practiced in depth.  You must do this for each new concept and play you introduce.
4-    Prepare relentlessly:  Plan in detail and instill these habits in your management team. This refers to off field aspects as well as game detail. Plan for the longer term down to the actual game and fit all the pieces together. Imagine what you want to see when the team are playing their last game of the season.
5-    Everyone is accountable:  Every coach, management person and team member must be thinking; “I’m responsible”.  You can only create this environment if you are leading the way and following this outline.
6-    Surround yourself with good people:  The key to success is having the best people possible working alongside you and motivating you. As well, good team work will make each member better. Learn from each other, as well as learning from studying opposition teams.
7-    Reflect, then decide: make sure you hear players and coaches out before making the final decisions. It is crucial that each member of your group believes that they are part of the decision making process.
8-    Underpromise and overdeliver:  don’t get caught in the trap of making statements that come come back and bite you. Only make a promise if you are absolutely positive of the result.  
9-    Develop and communicate strong beliefs: Set and communicate the direction and stick to your word. Make sure the message is tailored for the listener and that you have thoroughly researched and planned what it is you are saying and why.
10-    Be your own man:  Set a high standard and be the example. Don’t demand of others what you are unwilling to give, but defy expectation with your energy, enthusiasm and knowledge.  Don’t let criticism upset your agenda, keep believing in what you and your team are doing.
11-    Loyalty is the vital virtue:  players have got to want to be part of the team, as does the management staff.  You create loyalty with total honesty in what you say and in your actions. Disciplines are important, just as is flexibility.
12-    Improve yourself:  it is a good idea to teach yourself and not rely totally on the so called experts. Study games of successful teams, read, and listen carefully.

Make sure you are organized and you understand where you are heading to and how to get there.  Coaching is a huge amount of fun and a continuous learning curve. Good luck.