If you have taken the time to read this blog you want to improve as a leader, coach and person. Just like you, I believe in continual improvement and being a life-long learner. Our program has stolen the Japanese business word “Kaizen,” meaning continuous and never-ending improvement, as our mantra this year. We try to get just a little bit better everyday. Today we will discuss the most critical thing you can do to help achieve your personal, professional and leadership goals- surrounding yourself with people who are obsessed with success.
How many of you have told your players that they must be careful of who they hang around with? I know I have. While we know intellectually the importance of this concept, are we (as coaches and leaders) paying acute attention to our circle of friends? I have made a lot of mistakes in my life; however, the one thing I have been consistently able to do is put myself around people who shared or inspired me to be better. Today, I will discuss three networks that can help greatly enhance your chances of becoming a great leader.
1. The Person(s) you work for- The best way to increase your leadership skills is to be in the presence of a great leader frequently. As you know from my previous blogs, I am a huge proponent of reading, listening and observation; however, the most effective way to learn is through a dynamic apprenticeship. If I could give a young coach one piece of advice it would be to find a way to work for an elite coach or coaches. This business is all about who you hitch your wagon to. Are you aligning yourself with people who share your values? Is your boss committed to helping you reach your goals? These questions are very important.
I recommend you do your homework. You should have a stretch goal of working at one of the “big time” programs. Also, you should make a list of programs and leaders that are on the rise. If you are just getting started chances are the position will not be glamourous: long hours, “grunt jobs,” and little or no pay will be the reality. Look at this as an investment for your future; the return on your investment will be huge if you are involved with the right program. Below is a link to an article that I love on how Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams got his start in coaching. Would you be willing to make that kind of investment?
http://blog.chron.com/sportsjustice/2011/03/if-you-dont-like-marquette-coach-buzz-williams-now-you-will-after-reading-his-story/
I was fortunate. I had the opportunity to play for Don Schaly, the ABCA’s Division III Coach of the Century. My first baseball job after working for two years at Coca-Cola was with Marietta College under Brian Brewer; who went on to become the National Coach of the Year in 2006, 2011 and 2012. I learned a tremendous amount about leadership by being in close proximity to these two men for over a decade.
If you study the top coaches in any sport there will be one common theme: they will have worked or played for an outstanding coach.
2. Coaches in Other Sports- I have close relationships with several coaches in sports besides baseball. I love the game of baseball, but I will admit we can learn a lot from coaches in other sports. For example, I believe we are way behind in video analysis compared to football and basketball. Once again, I was very fortunate. While I was an assistant at Marietta I developed friendships with three assistants who are now head coaches: Curt Wiese (Minnesota Duluth-Football), Andy Bucheit (Heidelberg University- Men’s Basketball), and Denny Dorrel (Bluffton University- Football). In addition, one of my closest friends is Jon Vanderwal, who has turned Marietta College Basketball into a national contender. I’ve learned a lot about leadership from conversations with the men listed above.
3. Friends Outside of Sports- I value people who are striving for excellence- regardless of their chosen profession. I have great friends who are leaders in business, entrepreneurs, lawyers, dentists, etc. Each one of these people provides unique leadership lessons. As baseball coaches, oftentimes we get caught in our own silos. Hearing from a voice outside of athletics can be enlightening. For example, a couple years ago I was struggling over a discipline decision. My close friend (who is a business owner) said, “Deego, if it were my son, I’d support whatever you decide.” That short and simple sentence provided me with the confidence to make a tough decision.
We remind our players of the importance of who they are surrounding themselves with. Are we following our own advice? Are you surrounding yourself with people who share your mission? As Jim Rohn said, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Thank you for taking the time to read the three part series on leadership. By far, the best part of writing has been connecting with other coaches. We share something in common, we want to incrementally improve. I look forward to learning more from you.
Be Outstanding,
Mike Deegan
P.S. Sunday’s blog will discuss what I learned about baseball at the Race Track.
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