A gentleman in our community recently approached me to inform me that he will be coaching his son’s youth basketball team and asked what advice I would give him as he begins to coach?
Without putting much thought into it, I replied “Make sure the players know that their interests are prioritized above yours.” He looked both puzzled and intrigued by my reply. Perhaps it was not what he was expecting. The goal of every youth sports coach should be first and foremost to see that the kids have fun and experiences catalyzing a desire to return to the sport the next year. Youth coaches should focus solely on altruism. Focus on giving to others without seeking personal gain. Best selling author Simon Sinek (and others) refer to this concept as “Servant Leadership.”
Servant leadership flips the traditional power dynamic. Instead of leaders focusing on their own authority, they prioritize serving and empowering others. By fostering a collaborative environment and prioritizing the well-being of team members, servant leaders cultivate a high-performing and engaged group. This philosophy benefits individuals, teams, and ultimately, the entire organization.
Additionally, putting others’ interests ahead of yours demonstrates selflessness and fosters strong relationships. Prioritizing the wants and needs of others contributes to a positive and supportive environment that benefits everyone on the team.
Coaches should be process-oriented and not results-oriented. If you do all the right things during the process, more often than not, you will achieve favorable results. To quote Zig Ziglar, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want.”
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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