Are You a “Player’s Coach”?

If you live in Texas – as I do – and enjoy sports, you can’t avoid stories on the University of Texas, especially UT football. Even though I’m not a Longhorn, I’ve read some of the articles on the arrival of their new coach, Charlie Strong. Most recently, Strong has dismissed or suspended several members of the team for “rules violations.” He is described as a disciplinarian. One article contrasted Strong with his predecessor, Mack Brown, who was known as a “player’s coach.” I strongly disagree with the way that this contrast is presented. The implication is that a player’s coach doesn’t believe in discipline. It suggests that this kind of coach allows team members to violate rules and get away with all sorts of unacceptable behavior. It implies that a coach must choose between being tough and being liked. And most importantly, it hints that the lax policy of a player’s coach grows out of a heart for the players. Is that what you believe? Do you perceive leadership as an either/or choice between discipline and care? I believe that the best answer is both/and. Effective leaders can impose discipline and accountability and at the same time build strong, caring relationships with their followers. In fact, an unwillingness to point out someone’s mistakes is uncaring. I’m not talking about strict legalism that is devoid of grace but rather a willingness to “speak the truth in love.” There’s one other dynamic to consider about a “player’s coach.” In an organization where poor behavior is overlooked, what happens to the person who is working hard and following the rules? How does he (or she) feel about the coach? When accountability is absent, the attitude and efforts of the high performers will begin to slide toward mediocrity. What kind of “coach” are you? I hope you’ll be known as one who truly cares about the “players” on your team, but not this kind of “player’s coach.” It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>