The leader sets the pace, taking ownership, and demanding more
Life lessons through sports.
4.10.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
“They’ll Walk if You Let ‘em.”
As a baseball coach, I’ve watched countless games at different levels. Hustling on the field is something most of us learned at a very young age. But recently I noticed a trend… that trend is players not running on and off the field.
Is this the kids’ fault or is this a coach/leadership issue?
Who’s failing who?
People will slack off if we allow it. We are what we condone. If we allow poor body language and selfish play, then that’s who we are.
Bottom line: if the behavior is contrary to our beliefs then the organization is failing in its mission.
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, but hasn’t society always been critical of younger generations?
1. The Leader Sets the Pace
The advanced leader takes full responsibility for setting the pace.
The days of “do as I say and not as I do” are gone. If you want your team to practice with high energy and you are half asleep it’s not going to work. If you want your program to be disciplined, but you are personally falling short in this category your team will see right through it.
The advanced leader is also acutely aware of when the pace needs to be slowed. It is counterproductive to drive non-stop; people need to breathe. Knowing when to step on the gas and when to pump the brakes is just as important.
2. Give Them Ownership
After my first year as an assistant coach, I wanted to make a change in our offensive approach and practices. The current structure had been in place for nearly 40 years and it produced three National Championships, six national runners-up and many All-Americans.
I felt I would be a better coach if we made some adjustments (how arrogant of me). After weeks of working on my plan, I finally got the nerve to approach the head coach. Coach Brewer looked at my plan and bluntly said, “We better score runs.”
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 me. He gave me ownership.
Here’s the catch: this doesn’t mean people will perform the task your way or the way it has always been done. When delegating, you have to possess the confidence to allow creativity. If your people (or players) know the standards, they will deliver. Sometimes the hardest thing is to stay the heck out of the way!
3. 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. For example, upon arrival I want someone from the staff (typically me) to greet each camper. We like to have two staff members at each dugout interacting with the kids and making sure it is a safe environment.
Here’s what I’ve noticed over the years:
They’ll stand around and talk if you let ‘em. Why? Because it’s comfortable. If I don’t demand the staff begin this process they will huddle around each other and talk. It never fails.
Being a leader is exhausting. You are constantly pushing people outside of their comfort zone. As a coach, I want our players to maximize their potential. I owe it to our players and staff to do everything I can to help them excel. Guess what? This is going to be uncomfortable for you as the leader.
For me, the hardest thing about leading is resisting the urge to look the other way and accept mediocrity. “Awe, it’s okay if the coaches talk during the dynamic warm-up. It’s not that important.”
Back to the question: “Is it the player’s fault for walking on and off the field or the coach’s?”
Yes, kids have changed and new employees are different than before. It’s time to get over it. What an opportunity! Focus on solutions instead of complaining. As a leader, it’s up to you to set the pace and drive the organization forward.
Remember, “They’ll walk if you let ‘em.”
Questions to reflect on:
In what area(s) are you letting your people “walk?”
Are you setting the pace?
Are you working hard to develop the “feel” for the proper pace?
Are you delegating appropriately?
Are you doing someone you care about a disservice by not demanding more?
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The leader sets the pace, taking ownership, and demanding more
