Becoming a Better Coach (Leader or Manager) Part 2 Floating With Otters

The Otters are the mascot for California State University Monterey Bay and for the 2019 Men’s Soccer Season I got the pleasure of being a part of their float (a float is what a group [family] of Otters living together in the ocean is called). Graeme Jaap is the head coach with MB Soccer and these are the areas of emphasis that helped our squad become a better team.

Communication– The first key to becoming a better coach that helped both Graeme and I was communication. Not just giving out information but making sure everyone in the program understands and is ready to carry out the directions as intended. First you give the What- is going to be done. Then the Why- reason this needs to be done. Followed by the How- blueprint for getting tasks accomplished. It is also important to give your instructions in as many mediums as possible so that all types of learners can catch on to What, Why and How the goals can be accomplished. The other key is a good leader is persistent in keeping those in the program on task and heading toward their mutual goals no matter how many times and ways the tasks need to be Communicated. A great leader involves those in the program in getting the messages across to team members.

Standards- A second area that we identified as a key to improving a program, team or organization is having and or raising standards. These are the principles of conduct and level of quality necessary to be a part of the team. This is the first and most important issue to be communicated (see above) throughout the program. The raising of standards that are followed and bought into, changes a team faster than anything else an organization can do. If your team has a growth mindset and the communication suggestions are followed, immediate and consistent improvement will happen. If you are leading a fixed mindset group (not a team) your task is much more difficult and will take much longer but can still be done (that is another blog or book).

Joy- The final area that helped Jaapy and I take steps toward becoming better coaches was finding and realizing the Joy in what we are doing. I was able to enjoy everyday I got to spend with the great group of student-athletes and soccer coaches ( Zach Chirazi and Jaapy). Your entire program changes when you find the joy in what you’re doing because everyone you touch whether it’s once a day or once a year can feel your energy. Joy brings out joy and is a much better way than grumps bringing out grumpiness. If you are a coach and in my case a soccer coach and you don’t feel joy ,move on to something else. Find your Joy!

Shane Carew got me started with the Otters and got them headed toward success. Great work Shane and look forward to our next adventure!

Thanks to Jaapy, Zach, Kirby Garry, Dr. Dan Freigang, the other coaches and administrators in the CSUMB, and most of all the student-athletes of the Otter Soccer Program! It was a Joy to be a part of your float. My wish is for the Otters in the nearby Pacific and the ones on the MB campus to have many great years ahead, as both groups deserve!