I get asked about my coaching philosophy often. I believe coaching is a calling, a way for me to serve, lead and empower those I get to coach through a game I love. I feel compelled to dedicate my time to educating and mentoring through basketball. I heard something the other day about coaching that has stuck with me. The individual was stating that the word “coach” comes from the word “stagecoach.” The stagecoach was meant to take an individual from where they currently were to their new desired destination. That’s my goal as a coach, to take the kids I coach from where they currently are and help them get to their desired destination. This might be to play basketball at the next level, but it may not be. Similar to employee engagement tactics, coaches must understand the individual motivators for each member of their team. It’s not a one size fits all deal. This can be done through three steps. 

1. Develop a relationship with each member of your team. Go beyond the surface, understand who they are, what their family situation is, their hopes and dreams.
2. Spend time setting goals with the individuals you lead. I recommend setting goals on and off the court. On the court can include points, rebounds, assists, steals, charges taken, deflections, high fives given, wins, etc. Off the court goals could be obtaining a particular GPA, graduating, getting into a dream college, securing the perfect job, completing service projects, or accomplishing things at home. 
3. Hold players accountable and never lose trust. Follow up with your players on a regular basis. Have conversations about the goals you have set, but also about life outside of that. It takes numerous interactions to build trust, but one interaction to lose it.

Coaching and leadership are synonymous with one another. The best leaders are the best coaches. The best coaches are the best leaders. The best continue to learn and evolve their coaching and leadership techniques.