So many times we read about and listen to how coaches go on to become good leaders. We revere them, we listen to them as well paid speakers, we put them on pedestals and we follow their every instruction. We hear about their amazing winning records but we rarely question them and they never allow us to. So why do coaches often fail as leaders?

I would argue there are many more examples of coaches failing as leaders than those that are good ones. Why is that?

After many years of playing soccer at professional and semi professional levels, I took up coaching. Age has a habit of catching up on all of us and gradually the things I was able to do so effortlessly, were no longer effortless.

I learned that just because we played the game well doesn’t mean we know how to coach. Coaching is a leadership role and it’s rarely just about knowing the plays. Here’s what I learned.

You Can’t Bark at Your Team

Any organization run by fear will eventually rebel. As a coach you are listened to without question. You can rule by divine right. But, team members have views and they need to be listened too and discussed. Failure to listen and discuss can lead to mutiny in the ranks.

Help Players Understand the Bigger Picture

The best performers know what it takes to perform their role. But they don’t always consider the bigger picture. How can they complement other team members for the common good, rather than just focus their own role. Leaders bring out the best in their players.

Be Flexible

There isn’t only one way to do something. Honest de-briefs about to what went well and what didn’t make teams stronger and better.

Be Open

Often called being ‘transparent’. Too many coaches play the cards close to their chest and don’t involve the players in development of strategy. We don’t have all the answers. Don’t pretend we have and the more we admit to that, the more the team will feel a commitment and loyalty to a common and shared cause.

Experiment

It’s OK to get things wrong, as long as you have a plan B and C. Put fringe players into the game, give them responsibility, give them advice and let them try. They will learn.

Be Prepared to Delegate

Do what you do well and delegate the rest to people more able and willing to do those things you aren’t good at. We all have certain natural abilities at which we excel. Focus on them.

Here’s just a few of the things I have learned as to why coaches can fail as leaders. Not all winning coaches are also good leaders.

 

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash