Influence for Today's Coaches

Have you dealt with Dissent? What started it? How did you deal with it? Did you see it coming?Did the player or players involved surprise you or not?

Are you in touch with players on a timely basis? If needed, do they have a plan? Do they understand why they aren't playing or starting? How much time will you give them?

Do you struggle with naming, selecting, voting on and deciding who your Captains will be for the season. Have you or the team ever made a less than favorable decision? What if you separated the role of leader from captain? Here are our thoughts.

Are your players able to make their own decisions during a game? Are they capable? Do you find yourself constantly yelling instructions? Is there a way to assist your players so they're better prepared? Could our constant yelling add to an already pressure packed situation? Who will be shouting from the sideline in their office after they leave the game and start their career?

What does the game mean to your players? Do they have a burning fire to achieve more? Are they motivated to get more from their teammates? Are they fearless on the field? Is the fire burning deep that motivates them to reach a championship? Did you see it when you recruited them?

Which players are easiest for you to relate and communicate with? Which ones are the toughest? What traits draw you in, and what traits are easiest to deal with? How will you deal with a personality you didn't see or count on when you recruited a player? Will you be able to change them? What things are you looking for as you recruit them? Is it all about their skill or do you focus on their demeanor, reactions and composure as well?

What challenges have you faced with Captains? What traits should a Captain have to lead your team? How do you select Captains? What training do they have? Have you experienced challenges with Captains not expected? What are the expectations of your Captains?

Have you experienced a player quitting? Have you ever quit a job or team? As a coach how did you handle it? It's easier with a player who may not ever play, but what about a starter or star player? Would you ever consider letting them come back? What would the conditions be?

Where will you lead from at key moments? at practice? after a big win? a big loss? Are you willing to take the blame? Share the spotlight? Step to the back? Every moment is an opportunity to show who we really are? What exactly do your players see?

What will it take to get your team up to Championship Standards? Do you have skill standards? What are your markers for developing your players? Does it include Culture, Leadership, Competing, Skill, Strategy, Fitness, Mental, Decision Making, Examples of Commitment? Here are some ideas that might make a difference. Thanks for listening.