I was recently listening to the Marc Maron 'WTF!' podcast which featured none other than President Obama as the guest. In the episode, Obama is as engaging as ever but there was one particular part that caught my attention when talking about growing up and his role as President. He mentions how in his teens he was 'trying on different clothes' in terms of who he was as a person, trying to seek answers to the questions 'Who am I?' and 'What is important to me?'. He goes on to explain that he realised he didn't have to just be one way, that his personality could be more fluid and that there was no need to pressure himself into being something that he isn't. A focus on core values, he reflected, such as honesty, hard work and kindness are the best way to live life both as a person and a professional.
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.
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.
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