Becoming a Better Leader While Helping Others Lead Part 3 of a 3 Part Series

This is the third in the Best Day Ever Consulting series about becoming a better Coach (Leader) while working with others. The University of Central Arkansas soccer program and their head coach Ross Duncan was the first program to work together with BDE.

This is what Ross had to say about their program’s BDE experience, “BDE came into our program at a critical time. Frank was able to work with staff to identify many areas we could strengthen ourselves, both on and off the field. Frank has integrated himself into our program in a number of different roles. A mentor to me, a thinking partner for the staff, a role model for the players and , most importantly, a friend and confidante. There is no doubt that we would not have enjoyed our recent success without Frank.”

The first take away from the UCA experience is that as a leader you must be willing to seek out different routes to help your program find success. Ross was willing to do this, he was willing to search outside the norm and got his staff to accept BDE coming into the program. It took courage for Ross and for BDE to join in this venture together. This was not something US College soccer programs do but other sports and other soccer (football) teams around the world use -consultants, advisors and analysts all the time and with great effect. Lesson one from the Purple Bear experience is the courage to find all the resources you can goes a long way to improve your leadership abilities. It shows you are willing to do what you are asking everyone else in the organization to do, Grow!

The second lesson for leaders is to make sure you are bringing quality to the program everyday. My first day with UCA none of the members of the team knew who I was nor did they care. As a leader I had to prove that I could add value to what was happening with the team. With this group the first area that I emphasized was belief in what we could accomplish together. We have built on this in every session, visit and podcast we have shared. The education for leaders is to make every day count! We expect the members of our team to bring their effort everyday, so as their leaders we have to give them a reason to get better today. We have to bring value in making today the Best Today it can be. I strive to earn the Purple Bears’ respect each and every session that I am with them. Bring Value!

The third idea for leaders that working with the program at UCA has reinforced is to appreciate the positives. Try to see what someone else can do as a member of the group. So many times leaders in particular only look at what someone does not or cannot do. What are the positives of a player, a coach or a program? Look at your “haves” and build from there. You need to know where you are and where you want to go but also get in to appreciate the journey and your fellow travelers. There have been a lot of great experiences in being a part of The Purple Bear group. As a leader remember to acknowledge how lucky you are to be on this adventure with your group. Be excited for the next quest and enjoy those with you on the pilgrimage!