Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Coaches Pat Fitzgerald and David Shaw talk about how you can create a culture on your team where you can coach character.
Key Points:
- Coaching Choices: The job of a parent, teacher, coach, or any kind of community leader is to help students make good choices. It’s normal for an athlete to make a mistake, but once they repeat that mistake, it becomes a choice. A coach’s job is to use those mistakes and choices as an opportunity to coach character.
- Creating a Set of Standards and Expectations. A coach’s job is to create a set of standards for his team. When a player does not live up to these expectations, he will hopefully see how this impacts, not just himself, but his teammates as well.
- Creating a Positive Environment. The job of the coach is also to create a positive environment around his students. This happens by surrounding him with positive coaches, counselors, and teachers.
- Giving Them Examples to Follow. You can coach character first by having character yourself. Once a young man or woman sees the positive results of someone living a life of character, they will want to follow your example.
- Believing in Them. Before a young man becomes part of your team, he may have made a few mistakes in life. Even though he may be immature, a coach’s job is to see his potential. This is where a coach can give him a second chance and trust him to make good choices that will positively affect the team.
Quote This:
All coaching is, is taking a player where he can’t take himself. – Bill McCartney
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What kind of teammates have you had in the past? What kind of teammate have you been in the past?
- Who was the worst coach or teacher you have every had? What made them so bad? Who was the best coach or teacher you have ever had? What made them such a great coach or teacher?
- Do you believe the second time you make the same mistake it becomes a choice? Why or why not?
- How has someone setting up standards or expectations for you helped you build character?
- Who are leaders in your life that have been positive examples for you to follow?
- Who has believed in you or given you a second chance after you made a big mistake or a bad decision?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
