by: Matt Zavadil
"How can I become a better and more effective coach?" We
hear this question frequently and there's obviously more
than one answer. Today, let's explore one aspect of better
coaching.
You need to identify one or two players on your team you
think can develop into leaders. You see, mediocre coaches
just have a bunch of followers. Superior coaches take the
time to develop leaders that in turn aid the coach in
leading the team to a winning tradition.
In his book, "Developing the Leaders Around You", John
Maxwell says, "The greatest leadership principle that I have
learned...is that those closest to the leader will
determine the success level of that leader....the people
closest to me 'make me or break me'....My goal is not to
draw a following that results in a crowd. My goal is to
develop leaders who become a movement."
Isn't that what you want as the coach of your team? A
couple players that can help you create a "movement" of
winning attitudes, winning work ethics - a winning synergy.
Think about this for a minute. How far do you think Phil
Jackson would have gone without the leadership roles filled
by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaq and Kobe? How about
how the leadership of the "Triplets" helped Jimmy Johnson
with the Dallas Cowboys?
How much do you think Brian Billick appreciated the
leadership of Ray Lewis in 2000 when the Baltimore Ravens
won it all? Do you think Gregg Popovich would be as
successful without Tim Duncan & Manu Ginobili providing
further leadership roles?
By empowering one or two of your players to stand up and
become leaders, you create a powerful extension of yourself.
Now, these leaders free you up in certain situations where
leadership is needed.
If some players are "doggin' it", sometimes a "push" from a
"player leader" is more effective than when it comes from
you. There are some cases where only your leadership can
make the difference. But there are others where the leaders
you develop can step in and provide the needed words or
action.
The end result of surrounding yourself with a couple of
quality leaders is it makes you a more effective coach and
leader. Which is exactly what you're looking for, isn't it?