Want Success as a Leader? Pay Attention to the Coaches

July 28, 2016

Coaches as Leaders

It is not surprising that in sports we see some of the best and worst examples of leadership in the player-coach relationship. Recently, the Sport in America survey found 78 percent of respondents say that inappropriate behavior of coaches is the most serious problem facing sports today. Witness the recent firing and resignations of the Baylor Coach, Athletic Director and President after controversy over how they handled sexual assault allegations. The Hamilton Report noted, “In some cases, football coaches and staff had inappropriate involvement in disciplinary and criminal matters or engaged in improper conduct that reinforced an overall perception that football was above the rules and that there was no culture of accountability.”

True or not, the allegations created a perception of faulty leadership, and perception is often reality. In Baylor’s case, the integrity of the institution was on the line, and the report forced the Regents’ hand. But problems like these are evident in any field including churches, schools, nonprofits and businesses.

Coaching is a Covenant

At its best coaching is a covenant between leaders and followers, where the coach invests time and energy in the development of individuals. The most effective coaches are concerned, not just about how athletes perform in competition. They also seek to develop them for life. True, performance is important. Yet, even more important is develop learning how to play operate effectively well within the context of team, rules and ethical behavior. If it’s done well, coaches equip players not only for a successful season but also a successful life.

An Exemplary Coach

One of the best examples was former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. In an interview I had with the late coach, he explained that his relationships with players went well beyond winning and losing. He had created a close “family” culture, which at its core included high levels of commitment, trust and caring between the coach and his players. He explained, “I often told my players that, next to my own flesh and blood, they were closest to me. I got wrapped up in their lives and their problems.”

Coach Wooden developed players individually, but they also came together as part of a larger unit. Essentially, the team could achieve incredible success, but at the same time, the individual players could grow in ways that would benefit them long term. Coach Wooden explained,

“ I wanted them to be considerate of each other. Our players were an extension of our own family. Players often referred to my wife (as) their mother. And I wanted them to feel close with each other and to know that I was concerned about them as I would be my own children and not just as basketball players. They wouldn’t know this (at) first but I hoped they would perceive it as time went by.”

The Lasting Impact of a Great Coach

The coach clearly demonstrated leadership not only in his championships but also in his lasting influence on players. That influence is captured by the words of former UCLA and NBA great, Bill Walton: “Coach Wooden represents everything that is good, not only in the world of basketball, but life in general. He is such a positive influence on everyone. He has taught me everything I know. Not so much about basketball, but about life.”

Need Coaching?

As fundraising consultants we have the opportunity to coach clients in several key capacities. We see many organizations in need of nonprofit strategic planning. We are excited about our recently released online strategic planning products. Our four modules will coach you through the steps so you can put together a winning strategic plan for your organization.

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church

Want Success as a Leader? Pay Attention to the Coaches

Add comment Cancel reply