Influence for Today's Coaches

Have you changed as a "Captain" or becoming a "Head or Assistant Coach?" How will respond when teammates or colleagues say, "You've Changed!" Is it true? Did you flaunt your new status or position in others faces or were you humble and grateful? In what way would you say you've changed?

What will you say when a player asks why they aren't playing? Have you met with them and defined their role? Do they understand where they fit in? Is there hope for them to move up or play more? Were you honest about their ability to play? Will they become disgruntled?

Are you working with players on their career once their playing days are over? Will they be ready to leave the game? Are they planning for that day? What can you share with them? What questions need to be asked?

Can you help a player who thinks more than reacts? Are they tentative with every decision? Where does this originate? Are they being to tough on themselves? Is your team's culture accepting of mistakes under certain conditions? Do you show your players you have confidence in all they attempt?

Are you content with your training regiment? Is your team as successful as you would like? Have you considered how successful teams train? Would you be willing to bring in a coach to observe your practice or evaluate your game?

Do players expect you to handle their problems or issues? Do you give them the freedom to solve problems without you? Are they equipped to deal with a teammate over a disagreement? Do they feel comfortable sharing issues with you?

Remember that first day for your players? How have they changed over a career? What influence did you have in their development? Was it all positive?

What is your team's pregame routine? When does it begin? Does it include mental preparation? Is the pregame part of your team's identity and culture? Were your players involved in it's planning and implementation?

Do you have social media expectations and accountability for your players? Does your school have a social media policy? Do you personally train them in respect and integrity while using social media?

Has your team experienced dissension? How did you deal with it? What will you do with a divisive player? What about a divisive parent?