If you’ve been reading my weekly blog or following me on Twitter or Facebook, you know I am the proud father of 21 month old twin boys, Luke & Jack (aka The Born Backcourt). Being a father has brought me more joy than I ever could have imagined.
Being a father has also made me a better coach.
How has being the father of toddlers made me a better coach? Simple – my sons, as young as they are, reinforce the qualities necessary to being successful.
They remind me of these 8 traits every day:
1. Toddlers are Persistent: they never quit. Ever. When they want something… whether its food or a new toy… they do not stop until they get what they want. They are relentless! They apply the same persistence to learning a new skill (like walking, holding utensils, breaking my Blackberry, etc.). They spend hours and hours practicing until they master it.
How persistent are you as a coach? How relentless are you in your own development?
2. Toddlers are Communicators: they speak their minds freely. Granted, it’s in the form of crying, grunting, biting, punching, laughing, and Gibberish... but they do communicate. They let you know where they stand at all times. Surprisingly, they are attentive listeners too. They don’t necessary listen to me, but when Mickey Mouse or the Wiggles are talking, trust me, they are all ears!
How effective is your communication with your players? How about with your assistants?
3. Toddlers are Enthusiastic: they have a passion for everything they do! When they are happy, they bounce around and their faces light up the room. When they aren’t, they flail their limbs and scream like wild hyenas. But they put their heart and soul into every aspect of their lives. They don’t go through the motions.
How much enthusiasm do you have for coaching? Do you raise the level of those around you?
4. Toddlers crave Structure: they are on a schedule. They go to sleep at the same time every night, get up at the same time every day, and eat (and nap) at routine times. They are consistent.
Do you have a daily routine? Do your practices have structure or are they haphazard?
5. Toddlers are Uninhibited: they don’t care about looking cool. In fact, they don’t even know what cool is. They will (literally) crap their pants and just keep on going. They aren’t worried about what other people think; they do what makes them happy.
Are you worried what other people will think if you make a mistake?
6. Toddlers are Creative: they think outside of the box. They will spend an hour playing with a wooden spoon or an empty paper towel roll. They make the most of what they have.
How much imagination do you put into your practices?
7. Toddlers are Honest: they hold nothing back when telling you what they think. They have no hidden agenda and they speak from the heart. They don’t say things to hurt your feelings; they say them because they believe it to be true. Their honesty is refreshing.
Do you honestly communicate to every player on your team and let them know their role as well as their strengths and weaknesses?
8. Toddlers teach Patience: they aren’t necessarily patient, but as their father I have to be! If you’ve ever waited 45 minutes for your toddler to put on their shoes by themselves or played Ring Around the Rosie 271 times in a row… you know what I mean.
Are you patient with your team when things aren’t going well?
As a coach, if you are persistent, enthusiastic, creative, honest, patient, structured, uninhibited, and can effectively communicate… you will be successful… regardless of W’s and L’s.
Do YOU have what it takes to be a champion?
Watch this video to find out: http://youtu.be/jqAR1ZAZ620
This will be my last blog of 2011. I will post links to several of my favorite blogs from 2008 to 2010 at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein and www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam next week in a series called, REWIND.
With 2011 coming to a close, it is the ideal time to reflect and evaluate this past year as well as get excited and plan for the year to come.
I am going to make 2012 the best year of my life… both personally and professionally.
My goal = 2012 > 2011
To do that, I need to challenge myself by consistently leaving my comfort zone, dreaming big and aiming for excellence in everything I do.
Are you up for the challenge?
I hope so.
I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.
Alan Stein
www.StrongerTeam.com
PS: This blog was originally written for www.StatsDad.com - a must read blog for all coaches and parents!