Why does leading like a coach pays off?

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post focusing on why coaches make great pastors. After a great conversation with a friend about the post, I realized that this topic really applies to all leaders, not just pastors.

Truth be told, I need to realize that the entire world does not live within my context. So, my apologies for thinking the world revolves around my thoughts and opinions. Let’s reframe this conversation around all leaders.

“You’ll do it because I’m your boss.“

For some reason, this type of statement motivated a previous generation. In this post-modern world, however, this kind of statement is a surefire way to get a team member to quit. (Note that I said a team member.)

The above statement should be issued tenfold for anyone who may be directing young leaders. Heed my warning; DO NOT use the word boss in reference to yourself with young leaders! If you desire to motivate your team, you need to be a coach, not a boss.

Let’s break that thought down.

A coach has to motivate a team of people, who are working super hard for free! Yes, professional athletes receive payment for their work, but in my opinion, that’s why most of them lose their hearts for the sport.

In contrast, an athlete earning a pittance of a salary with the hopes of greater things to come seems to work harder than anyone who has already arrived. Hence why sometimes, minor league sports can have more action than the major leagues.

From my experience in serving under some great and some less-than-great leaders, here are three reasons why coaches make the best leaders.

1. Coaches acknowledge extra effort.

Even when the slightest display of hard work or extra effort is given, a coach is excellent at recognizing it. In turn, they’re always acknowledging it. Granted hearing “at a boy” from a supervisor might feel a little awkward, but you get the idea.

2. Coaches celebrate wins.

When a milestone has been hit, a coach doesn’t sit with self-gratification. A jubilant celebration is given over to the team. It’s not about what a great coach he or she is; it’s about how hard the team worked to achieve that win.

3. Coaches rise out of defeat.

This is when a coach really shines. When morale is low and everything seems against the team, a coach does not cocoon himself in his office. He gathers the team, looks them straight in the eye, takes ownership of the defeat, then rallies them back to greatness.

A coach is able to take all the value and self-worth that has been lost through defeat and bring it back to the forefront of his team with a vengeance. The team is empowered and ready to fight another day!

It may sound like I’m picking on senior leaders.

That’s not the case. This applies to all levels of leadership and influence. Having tried very hard to implement this perspective, and seeing others take on similar mindsets, it really works! Of course, there are conflicts along the way; people are still people, whether they’re using a coaching model or not.

Over time, the team develops great relationships with each other. As they grow, further responsibilities need to be delegated, and team captains begin to form. They have often already proven themselves ready for the challenge.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

• From your perspective, how effective is acknowledging and recognizing extra effort in motivating team members?
• How have you witnessed a coach’s approach to celebrating wins differ from that of a boss?
• From your experience, have coaches handled defeat and inspired their team to bounce back better than bosses?