Coaching is never too far from my mind and this really struck a chord for me. It is my belief that the essence of coaching is in relationships - with players, with colleagues, with your employers etc. However, it is with your players that you must establish rapport, to see them as, and have genuine care for them as, people, not just as athletes.
The majority of coaches don't work in an elite, results-driven environment. Rather, they are out with youngsters and amateurs, trying to educate, improve and create something. I am still early on in my journey as a coach, with plenty yet to learn, however I think Obama's focus on core values should be at the heart of coaching. Leave your ego to one side and try to create and embody an environment that allows your athletes to thrive. Honesty, hard work and kindness seem like a good place to start.