Coaching the Coach

wiser sports leadership blog

ARE YOU PREPARED TO COACH?

DeAngelo Wiser

wiser and calkins - wiser sports leadershipThe losses will linger, and wake you up at night. The wins leave like the wind.

The first day with your new team will be a memory of a lifetime!
Planning for practice will be a joy.

A parent will confront you after a big win, only to complain about playing time for their child.

Teaching the game will come so easy, because of your passion.
Seeing the players “get it” will be rewarding.

Your field will be a mess and only be ready when you put in extra time to make it so.

Watching a player’s reaction after that first big win is priceless.
When a player thanks you for something you did, means everything.

A hateful email or text message will question your ability as a coach.

Attending Clinics and Seminars to expand your knowledge is fun.
Talking with your fellow coaches about trends and new ideas.

Your best player won’t be eligible because of failing grades.

Smelling the grass, seeing the crowd, warming up your team, all very special.
Your team being acknowledged by the officials as being very respectful.

Your prospective players end up playing for another team.

Going to camp with your team!! Memories of a lifetime!
Taking your team on a High Ropes Course!

The referee stops the game, threatens to end it unless you walk across and quiet unruly fans.

coach little - wiser sports leadershipSeeing your players other talents on a talent show night! So much fun!
Sharing some life lessons before and or after practice.

An unsigned letter arrives in the mail, I think you know what it says.

Guiding players through difficult times in their lives.
Learning to compromise over things that really don’t matter.

No one will thank you for a job well done, its expected.

Picture day will be a challenge, but remember the players love it.
Senior Night, a special night for those who’ve given up so much for the team.

The hours are tremendously long, late nights, weekends, frustrating practices, and not much pay.

Former players getting together on Alumni Night, the hugs and thanks…………..
Seeing former players coaching………………………………………

Can you handle those who are against you? Even if it’s some of your players

ARE YOU REALLY PREPARED TO COACH?

wiser sports - wiser sports leadershipI hope so, because it’s one of the most rewarding careers in the world. The joy of helping young people succeed on and off the field is something you can’t put a price on. So much of coaching has nothing to do with technique, tactics, conditioning, etc. but comes down to communication, caring, responsibility, understanding, and the ability to not be distracted by those who are not in your corner. We as coaches must always do what’s best for our players, and as the games begin, what’s best for our team.

I wish you the best, and remember, the great times, and how you influence your players will always outweigh the negatives. Stay true to what you believe in, and success will follow.

wiser sports leadership blog

Leadership is Coaching & Coaching is Leadership

DeAngelo Wiser

We can be overwhelmed with 105 traits of leadership, 85 attributes of a great leader, 44 essentials of being a leader, and so forth. It can be confusing and overwhelming. So let’s keep it simple, and think about these questions:

“What would your foundation for leadership look like?”

“What would support everything you expect a leader to be and allow you to be effective over a long period of time?”

Our foundation for leadership at Wiser Sports Leadership is based on five main principles: Character and Integrity as the cornerstones, and Positive Outlook, Enthusiasm, and Confidence completing the row. We believe these principles will allow you to build your career as a leader in any field.

CHARACTER
OPTIMISTIC/POSITIVE OUTLOOK
ENTHUSIASM/PASSION
CONFIDENCE
INTEGRITY

Character- What type of person are you? Are you able to rally your employees or team around a cause? Are you genuine? How do you react in times of crisis? Are you able to stay calm and in control when your team or employees look to you for guidance? Your character as a leader will ultimately be the deciding factor for how your employees feel about the company or team they work or play for. They want to work or play for someone they can count on and who stands up and supports them when times are tough.

When we think of someone with character, we often think of our parents. Can you think of others you have met or been associated with who’ve had strong character? What made you think of them?

Positive Outlook- Are you positive in most everything you do and say? Employees or players hear enough negative messages through family, and all forms of media, so they need someone who can inspire them through positive, uplifting messages throughout the day. It makes them glad to come to work or practice in a positive frame of mind ready to get the job done and do anything for you.

Can you remember someone in your life that always seemed to have a positive outlook? How did they act? Why do you think they were so positive?

Enthusiasm- Do you believe in what you’re doing, selling, coaching, or the company you work for? Do you have a burning passion for what you’re doing? If so, it’s not hard to be enthusiastic. Genuine enthusiasm shines through when you can’t wait to get to work or the field. Remember your employees or players are a reflection of you and your actions. Enthusiasm will multiply and grow based on how you act and present yourself to those around you.

Have you met someone who seemed very passionate about their work or a cause they were working on? Have you thought, “Wow, I wish I could be like that!”?

Confidence- As a leader, any and all decisions you make must be based on the confidence that they’re the right ones with respect to your employees, players and the company. In all situations, transmit a demeanor of confidence in everything you do. Employees and players want to work and play for someone who’s strong, confident and willing to make sound decisions.

Would you say confidence is learned through experience of different situations, or is a part of someone’s personality? We often hear the statement, “They’re a natural leader.”

Integrity- Along with your character, the most important part of the foundation of leadership is integrity. Your decisions must be based on morals and values that are sound and that never jeopardize the company’s or team’s reputation or good standing. Never allow short cuts, deadlines, individual needs or wants to compromise your beliefs. Take a stand when pressed into situations that are uncomfortable for you and that you don’t feel are right. Leaving a job is certainly an option if you don’t believe what you’re being asked to do is legal or ethical. Your reputation is worth more than that.

Invest time in exploring what a company or organization stands for and what they believe in before joining them. How would you handle a situation where you were asked to do something that compromised your beliefs or values?

At some point in your career, especially if you’ve been loyal to the company or organization, you’ll be asked to be a leader in some capacity. Whether you accept that position or not is a personal choice. If you do accept it, then the decision becomes what type of leader you want to be.

We know the best start is to use the five principles listed here as a foundation for your successful career as a leader.

We want to work with you, your team and organization to achieve your goals.

Email coachwiser@gmail.com for more information.

I wish you and your organization or team the best!