What coaching little league has taught me about work life
As coaches, we try to set a good example for our kids by showing them how to go about their business on and off the field. This season, I’ve observed the way my players approach the game and realized they have just as much to teach me about my approach so that I can be successful.
- Be passionate. The kids that perform the best are the ones that love playing the game. They are there because they want to be there, not because their parents are making them. They show up early, play catch on off-days and pour their hearts into improving because they believe in what they are doing. When we are passionate about the task at hand, our performance and results are a reflection of our attitudes.
- Be alert and have a plan. You never know when the ball will be hit to you. It is important to anticipate those situations with a plan of how you might handle them, and then read the signs in your surroundings, so when an opportunity arises, you are ready to make the play. Having this preparedness alleviates fear or panic in a situation that arises quickly, and allows us to perform to our full potential under pressure.
- Communication is key. Work is a team sport. In baseball, you need to know where your teammates are playing and what they are planning to do to ensure the team’s success. Players and coaches are constantly barking the number of outs, where the play is and who will cover the base in a given situation. The same level of constant communication is key when ensuring that co-workers are aligned to the strategy or solution to a problem. When we communicate, we can be confident that we’re one team, unified behind our goals.
- Don’t fear failure. No matter who you are, at some point you are going to drop a ball or strike out with runners in scoring position. That isn’t what defines you. It’s how you bounce back. If you mope about it and exude negativity about your losses, then that becomes who you are. Resilience is key both on the field or in the workplace – if you get up with conviction, and make the next play to the best of your ability, no one remembers the failure because they recognize that isn’t what you are all about.
Inspiration and lessons on life and leadership are everywhere – we just have to pay attention.
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About the Author
Mickey Ramirez, health enews contributor, is the director of Brand Services. He enjoys kimchi, honesty and a room with a view. He claims to not be a writer, but he occasionally learns information that is just too important to keep to himself.
Good advice, Mickey, and very perceptive. Thanks for sharing your insights with us. I’m sure you make a fantastic coach!
Thank you for your insight. You have it right with the four items you’ve listed. You’ve hit a homerun with your words!
“I wanted to play in college and playing softball gave me the chance to compete and be the best. I attribute all of my wanting to coach with the game of Little League. Those were the favorite times of my life.”
You nailed it Mickey! It is as much fun for the coaches as it is for the players when everyone plays as a team!