At some point in your coaching career, likely multiple times each season, you made a choice:
I’m going to be a upbeat, excitable coach, not afraid to joke around with my players while keeping my emotions on my sleeve
or
I’m going to be strict, results drive coach that demands the best, keeping everything professional and buttoned up.
Yet somehow, the coaches who can artfully blend both are the most successful in reaching their athletes. Look at Josh McDaniels, who’s brought the Broncos to 6-0 despite having the toughest off-season of perhaps any 1st year head coach in history.
Bleacher Report contributor Courtney Zierk said it this way:
When Josh McDaniels took over the Broncos last January, it was clear that his strategy was to immediately assert his authority onto a franchise that was losing direction under Mike Shanahan. Trading Jay Cutler to the Bears was a clear indication that McDaniels would stand his ground at whatever cost—an attribute of a disciplinarian.
Now we’re seeing video clips of him on the sideline pumping his fist in elation like a teenager on steroids, mic’d-up snippets of McDaniels mixing it up with his players on the sidelines like he is just one of the guys, and even friendly embraces from formerly embittered players. These are all attributes of a player’s coach.
The reason the Broncos are winning games is because they are the most prepared team in the NFL week-in, week-out. They are prepared because the entire team has bought into McDaniels and his leadership. They have bought into his leadership because he has earned their respect. He has earned their respect because he understands the balance between camaraderie and authority.
As you prepare for your upcoming season, decide for yourself: Are you a ‘player’s coach or a disciplinarian? What can you do to be both?
One Response to “The Balance Between Camaraderie and Authority”
By Marvin London on Oct 31, 2009 | Reply
I have had success at many levels. High School state titles: 3 basketball, 2 softball, 2, volleyball, 2 football. 1 National girls basketball AAU Title & 2 runner-up. 16 City Championships. I have learned that discipline is needed in every level. But I learned from a young age(20) when I took my first coaching position that discipline can not be the only mode of coaching. It will eventually wear an athlete out. You can get a athlete to do anything if they know you are for them. If they know deep down inside you have their best interest at heart. They have to know you care and love them and if and only if you can accomplish that will you get that athlete to go through a brick wall. They will truly buy into your system no matter what it may be. You have to learn your players and let them learn about you. If they feel they are part of your life and or family then they feel a sense of responsibility in not letting you down. My athletes no when its business and when its play time. I have learn that athletes no when they done something wrong and really dont need you harping on it to them. I make sarcastic funny remarks about what just happen. Something like if it was a bad shot in basketball. I might say that is the worst shot in the history of basketball. This lets them know it was a mistake but also keeps the tension off an already tense game.