“They’ll Walk if You Let ‘Em”

As a baseball coach, I get to watch a lot of games at different levels. Hustling on the field is something I learned at a very young age.  Recently, I’ve noticed a trend where players are not running on and off the field.  At times, it is tough to tell if the inning is over because everyone is wandering around instead of leaving the field with urgency.

A few years ago, I heard a coach say “they’ll walk if you let ‘em.”  As an organization we are what we condone.  If we allow poor body language and selfish play then that’s who we are.  We can have all the slogans and quotes we want; however, if the behavior is contrary to our beliefs then the organization is failing in its mission.

It has become popular to complain about “kids now a days.” Talk to the majority of coaches and teachers they will tell you that kids have changed.  They will quickly point out how they are entitled, “soft,” and mentally weak.  There is no doubt kids are different today than they were 20 years ago.  Here’s my question: When has society not been critical of the younger generation? The likes of TV, Elvis shaking his hips, Nintendo, and the Internet have been threatening to ruin our country for a long time.  If we choose to look at this from a different perspective we will see a tremendous opportunity. While others are wasting time complaining we can seek solutions.  Below are three ideas to consider:

The Leader Sets the Pace

The team or organization will have a difficult time outperforming its leadership.  The advanced leader takes full responsibility for setting the pace. They are constantly driving the group forward. In addition, the advanced leader is acutely aware when the pace needs slowed. It is counterproductive to drive non-stop; people need to breathe. Knowing when to step on the gas or when to pump the brakes is critical.

Give Them Ownership

After my first year as an assistant coach I wanted to make a change in our offensive approach and practices.  There was a similar philosophy and structure in place for nearly 40 years and it produced three National championships, six national runner-ups and many All-Americans. I felt I would be a better coach if we made some adjustments (how arrogant of me).  I developed a plan and a structure that I thought would be better for the program. After weeks of working on the plan I finally got the nerve to approach Coach Brewer. “Ahhh Coach, I think we could do better with our offense and here are some ideas.” Coach Brewer looked over the material and bluntly said, “We better score runs.”

Talk about not letting me walk! For the next eight years I took the “we better score runs” as “your job is on the line if we don’t produce.”  He didn’t micromanage; he gave me ownership.  Let me be clear, the success we had in the years to follow had little or nothing to do with a different strategy. However, giving me ownership made me more invested in everything we did- I was all in.  From this experience, I learned that setting the pace doesn’t mean doing everything yourself.  Instead, setting the pace can be applied by delegating and demanding excellence.

When delegating the leader must possess the confidence to allow creativity. If the people (or players) know the standards they will deliver.  Oftentimes, the biggest challenge is staying the heck out of the way.

Demand, Demand, Demand

“A real leader isn’t going to let someone develop at their own pace. One’s own pace is too easy, convenient, and comfortable to reach potential.”-Dave Anderson

Our youth baseball camps are very important to me.  As the owner and director I demand a lot of our staff and players who work the camps.  For example, upon arrival I want someone from the staff (typically me) to greet each camper.  When they enter the field one group goes to the first base dugout; the other, to the third base dugout.  There are two staff members in each dugout interacting with the kids and making sure the environment is safe.  Here is what I’ve noticed over the years: If I don’t demand the staff begin this process they will huddle around each other and talk. It never fails.  They gravitate to each other because it is comfortable.   They’ll stand around and talk if you let ‘em. 

Being a leader is exhausting. Leadership requires pushing people outside of their comfort zone.  Frequently, leaders are demanding more: “one more rep,” “do it again,” “you can give more,” etc.

For me, the hardest thing about leading is resisting the urge to look the other way and accept mediocrity. “Aw…it’s o.k. if the coaches talk during the dynamic warm-up.  It’s not that important.” Hogwash! If I see the coaches standing around talking during camp I have to address it.  It stinks, but it has to be done.

Final Thought

Yes, kids have changed and new employees are different.  It’s time to get over it.  What an opportunity!  While others complain about the situation we can focus on solutions.  It’s on us as leaders to set the pace and drive the organization forward.  Remember, “they’ll walk if you let ‘em.”

Set the pace,

Coach Deegan