Unlocking Leadership Potential: Coaching High School Sports WILL Prepare Employees for Supervisory Roles

“You can learn so much about leadership from being force communication with “difficult” parents..” - Lisa C.

Introduction:

As organizations work to develop their next gen of leaders, they often face the challenge of giving employees meaningful chances to sharpen their management and leadership skills. They want employees to have previous leadership skills but how can they obtain those skills without having underlings to lead? It's a true dilemma. One often overlooked path that can seriously boost an employee's professional growth...coaching high school sports teams.

Now, coaching high school sports might seem like a pretty unconventional way to work on your leadership development. But let me tell you, the skills and experiences you can gain through this role are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to take on supervisory or management positions down the line.

Look, I know a thing or two about leadership. As a USA Gold Medalist, retired WNBA player, college and pro basketball coach, and a high school Coach of the Year (which seems to be the most relevant accomplishment for the purposes of this blog), I've seen firsthand how coaching can unlock a ton of leadership potential. And as an executive coach for high-achieving individuals, I can tell you that the skills developed on the sidelines are just as valuable in the boardroom.

With that said, let's dive right in and explore seven compelling reasons why employees should consider coaching high school sports as a way to strengthen their leadership capabilities:

1. Hands-on Experience in Leading a Team

Coaching a high school sports team allows employees to step into the role of a leader, responsible for guiding a group of individuals towards a common goal. This hands-on experience in team management can provide invaluable insights into the dynamics of leading a diverse group, delegating tasks, and motivating team members to excel. It’s your way or the high way, and this allows you to figure out what YOUR way and style is.

2. Developing Effective Communication Skills

Successful coaches must possess the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with players, parents, and other stakeholders. Employees who take on coaching roles have the opportunity to fine-tune their communication skills, learning to convey instructions, provide constructive feedback, and navigate sensitive conversations with various parties. For instance, you can learn so much about leadership from being force communication with “difficult” parents (which is the reason for so many people not wanting to coach).

Being force to have difficult conversations with difficult parents helps you to:

·      Navigate sensitive topics

·      Develop a diplomatic approach (because that’s necessary!)

·      Build conflict resolution skills

·      Enhance your empathy and emotional intelligence

·      Maintain composure under pressure (you can get a diamond from all the pressure parents put on you!)

 So in short, there are hidden benefits of dealing with difficult parents that can give employees a major advantage as they work to climb the ranks.

3. Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration

High school sports teams thrive on the collective effort and synergy of their members. As a coach, employees must cultivate a strong sense of team spirit, encourage collaboration, and help players work together towards a common objective. These skills are highly transferable to the workplace, where fostering teamwork is crucial for achieving organizational goals.

4. Honing Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities

Coaching high school sports presents a myriad of challenges, from managing in-game situations to addressing off-the-field issues. Employees who take on this role must quickly analyze complex scenarios, weigh their options, and make decisive actions. This problem-solving experience can equip them with the critical thinking skills and decision-making acumen required for effective leadership.

5. Navigating Conflict Resolution

Inevitably, as a high school sports coach, you'll encounter conflicts - whether that's between players on the team, heated disagreements with parents, or tensions with other stakeholders like school administrators. Learning how to skillfully navigate these delicate situations is crucial.

As a coach, you have to be able to listen to all sides, understand where everyone is coming from, and find constructive resolutions that work for everyone involved. This requires empathy, diplomacy, and a cool head under pressure. In the workplace, the ability to effectively manage conflicts - whether between employees, with customers, or among departments - is a hallmark of strong leadership.

The experiences coaches gain in defusing tense situations, mediating disputes, and getting everyone on the same page can translate directly to the boardroom or the executive suite. It's a skill set that will serve leaders well as they navigate the interpersonal complexities that come with supervisory roles.

6. Developing Time Management and Organizational Skills

Coaching a high school sports team requires juggling multiple responsibilities, from practice schedules and game plans to player evaluations and administrative tasks. Employees who take on this role can hone their ability to prioritize, multi-task, and manage their time effectively – all essential skills for successful leadership.

7. Boosting Confidence and Leadership Capabilities

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of coaching high school sports is the boost in confidence and leadership abilities that employees can gain. The experience of leading a team, overcoming challenges, and achieving success can instill a sense of self-assurance and a deeper understanding of their own leadership potential.

Conclusion

By embracing the opportunity to coach high school sports, employees can tap into a goldmine of leadership development. Seriously, the skills and experiences you'll gain through this gig can set you up to be a well-rounded, adaptable, and seriously capable leader.

So if you're an employee looking to take on more leadership responsibilities, I'm telling you - you should definitely consider getting into the high school coaching scene. It just might be the secret sauce you need to unlock your full leadership potential. Trust me on this one.! 👊

Stay Resilient,