My Favorite Coach
I’m not sure how the subject of leadership style came up but when guys get talking on the same subject for a long enough period of time it always turns to sports.
I played football and tennis when I was younger. They didn’t necessarily attract the same athletes and certainly required different coaching strategies.
I remember my football coaches very well because they tended to spend a great deal of time shouting and throwing clip boards. My dad was a football coach so I knew from a very young age that most of the emotion was intended to get the players’ adrenaline pumping. It was a necessary component both for the benefit of the team and the protection of the player.
Coaching Techniques aren’t Universal
So the conversation turned to one of my old football coaches who had taken over the tennis team.
“How’s that working out?” I asked already laughing.
My friend described the jeering and criticism this man was firing at players, during their matches. He either had no idea how negatively this was impacting the players or didn’t care. The opposing coaches were either content to have him sabotage his own team, or were intimidated by his size.
A Time and A Place
In business we rarely need the leadership style of the football coach, but always crave the style of the true tennis coach. When obtaining specific goals depends upon our level of concentration, encouragement and praise are food for self confidence.
Just like a tennis player needs to believe they are good enough to defeat their opponent (not a pathetic loser with a forehand like an old lady) an entrepreneur needs the confidence necessary to persevere through difficulties.
The leadership style dripping with positive reinforcement always produces amazing results. Coupled with a genuine interest in other peoples success, that leader is priceless.
[...] 26, 2010 — davidbeairsto What Is Your Leadership Style? http://davidbeairsto.com/what-is-your-leadership-style/ Posted in Uncategorized. Leave a Comment [...]
I love reading great posts about leadership. Above all, a leader must be clear on where he is going and how he is getting there. I think those football or basketball coaches who don't know this are the hardest on their players.
John Wooden is a classic example. He was all about positive reinforcement, but at the same time expected teamwork and self discipline from his players.
Thanks a lot for a great article! Keep them coming!
Stephen Bolin
Online Marketing Coach
Awesome post, David. I have a 12 yr old son who is passionate about sports and there certainly are all kinds of coaches out there. My favorite is his baseball coach who is “walking” positive reinforcement.
David, I heard a great definition of leadership once that went something like, 'an effective leader is one who can facilitate the greatness of those around him/her' I have always remembered this. Thank you for your post.
~Marcus Baker~
Attraction Marketing Coach
Great comparison. The best leaders conduct symphonies, the worst losing high school football teams….. Haha, but seriously great post David!
Garrett
http://www.GarrettCanHelp.com
[...] Picture a roaring campfire in the wilderness with the scouts or adventurers gathered round listening to the person in charge doing what leaders do. [...]
[...] Picture a roaring campfire in the wilderness with the scouts or adventurers gathered round listening to the person in charge doing what leaders do. [...]