Coaching has been my life for 55+ years. Even before I formally begin coaching and was still an athlete I tried to think like a coach and learn the why I was doing what I was doing. Coaching is a special profession that puts an emphasis on relationships and teaching. As I reflect on my career and what I have seen of others I believe that coaching is more than a profession, it is calling. A calling with great responsibility and equally great rewards. For me it has been a privilege to coach for as long I have and be associated with the athletes, I have been fortunate to work with.
Today I am concerned about the state of coaching. For many younger coaches coaching has shifted from being transformational to being transactional. The outcome has taken precedence over the process. There too much emphasis on the sizzle, not enough on the substance of sport performance.
For me coaching is process. It is a process with strong foundation in pedagogy, after all coaching is teaching. It is supported by science not driven by science. It is forged in experience that is proven and tested in the competitive arena. It is managing complexity and harnessing chaos.
The coach’s classroom is the field, the track, the court and pool. Great coaches are not know it all complexifiers, rather they are learn it all simplifiers. They understand it is not about marginal gains, it is staying grounded and never straying far from fundamentals. Great coaching is repeating the basics brilliantly each day. It may not be exciting and make a highlight reel, but it will produce results.
Finally, here are some thoughts that will make you a better coach:
Stay Basic
Stay Hungry
Stay Focused
Focus on the “Can Do”
Stay Uncomfortable
Stay You
Stay Passionate
Maintain a Child’s Curiosity
Finally take some time to smell the roses and appreciate the great calling you have chosen!