As a leadership scholar, I have read, recommended, and utilized many of the principles presented by the management guru, Stephen Covey. In his best-selling text, The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, Covey suggests that leaders should “Begin With The End In Mind” to successfully take control and plan future achievements. In the world of coaching, this mindset is most applicable to a life that rarely has a logical progression or typical day. As a coach, most of your work is done through people – your administrators, coaching staff, players, and financial supporters. Thus, it is no surprise that you often put the needs and desires of others in front of your own goals. Perhaps it is time to step back and consider the following two suggestions to create your legacy on your terms:
1. Performance – Few would disagree with the statement that coaches who win consistently have more leeway with administrators. Win that conference championship and the request for additional equipment or travel funds isn’t such a big deal. So the W’s do matter and in a recessionary economy there isn’t much wiggle room for excuses. Get your player to perform – Get the job done. However, for the coach who is not in their dream job just yet – continue to imagine and think about where you eventually want to call it quits. Do you want to be a big fish in a small pond? Are you still actively learning or are you relying on outdated materials and schemes? Do you take the time to make allies outside of athletics or are you waiting for non-athletic administrators or professors to knock on your door? Yes, you must win, but be sure to invite others to the celebration. It will be an awfully lonely retirement or send off if you’ve had a history of taking all the credit during the glory days. It’s been said that “no man is an island” and there are surely people working on your behalf each and every day without an applause or acknowledgement. In fact, when you are absent what they don’t say when questioned about your coaching and program operations can be more telling than what they do say.
2. Inspiration – Do you “walk the talk”? Do the young ladies under your leadership model your actions? Are they more inclined to string together words laced with profanity or positivity when facing a difficult challenge? When you leave the coaching profession will there be many former players or coaches that have a strong belief in your coaching style and character? Many coaches are often judged by their “coaching tree.” That is, players who spend considerable time under your direction who acknowledge that the decision to go into the coaching profession was primarily due to your influence and motivation. Inspirational coaches are often described as ones who have created a basketball family atmosphere. Players, managers, and former assistants come back to visit, call regularly, and offer financial and personal support. They confess their desire to send their own children and nieces to play for you in the future. For new coaches, this positive foundation takes time to build and lots of patience. Gain exposure and try to be seen by many. Public speaking engagements outside of the athletic world help to establish your brand in circles that will expand your network. Although your character will be tested and revealed early in your career, your ability to redefine and influence the previous leader’s impression on the program has to be strategically planned and executed. And don’t forget to be gentle with the coach whose shoes you are now being asked to wear and excel with on a greater level. Don’t be afraid to display the former coach’s trophies, photos or promotionals. Remember, one day you will be walking back into that office or arena as a former coach. You will hope that your legacy is still being recognized by the incumbent coach. In summary, being an effective inspirational leader requires more than a passion for the game and new disciplinary rules. And of course, Bible beating your faith into the hearts of your players may turn out to be more than just a Title VII Civil Rights violation.
Coaching would be so much easier if you had that crystal ball to see into the future. Fortunately, forecasting remains guesswork and you have the wonderful opportunity to design your plan. The clock has started and on first glance your unique chance may not appear to have many bright spots. The one person that you can count on is yourself though. You are a winner and winners care about their coaching legacy. However, this legacy development can’t wait for tomorrow. People watch and take notice each and every day. Take control and don’t let others define when and how you will separate from your coaching profession. Win games and inspire others to be better. Your invaluable voice has meaning and is needed in this ever-changing world of college sport.
Dr. Deborah Stroman is an enthusiastic educator and entrepreneur. She is a faculty member of the sport business administration specialization of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Additional responsibilities include academic advising and coordination of the undergraduate internship program for sport administration. As a business owner, Dr. Stroman offers distinctive consulting services for former athletes desiring a successful transition from their sport career. Her teaching focus is the theory and practical application of economics and finances, leadership, sport marketing, and sport administration. Her research interests are leadership and social issues of sport. As a former basketball player at the University of Virginia and graduate assistant coach for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she continues to stay active by playing basketball and golf, core training, and biking. Her other hobbies include reading, discussing politics and behavioral economics, and traveling. She can be reached at debby@dstroman.com or 919.843.0336.