When we hear the word coach, we first think of sports. Whether we are coaching little league, high school football, or professional teams, the same good coaching principles apply. Coaches are leaders and must inspire the people on their teams to give their best, or in some cases, more than their best. As an example, how many times have you watched a game where your team was losing? Then, they come out of the locker room after meeting with the coach, and somehow, they win the game. Is this a miracle? No! It’s good coaching—inspiration, encouragement, confidence, commitment, all these things, and more—that makes up a good coach or leader.
Coaching is the “process of equipping people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to develop and become more successful” as defined by Peterson and Hicks (1966). Whether we are coaching sports or a multinational company, the principles are the same. Coaching is not an easy task, but we all can learn how to coach and lead more effectively.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Read the overview above, watch the two-minute video, and then answer the questions as instructed. The grading rubric shows how you are graded on this video case study.
It’s the fourth quarter of a basketball game. The coaches can either win or lose. This video demonstrates both bad and good coaching principles. (Note: For your convenience, you can select the CC button when you are in the video for close-captioned subtitles.)
WATCH THIS 2 MIN YOUTUBE VIDEO:
QUESTIONS:
Respond to the questions and points below. Cite all references that you use, including your textbook, using APA. Be sure to include your own opinions, interpretations, recommendations, and conclusions to these questions.
- Identify the one worst coaching mistake in this video. Explain your decision.
- The moral of this video is the quote from Steve Seidler: “You don’t demand respect, you earn it.” How does this moral statement relate to leadership?
- Some coaches/bosses blame the employees/team for mistakes or when the team loses. Then they take credit for the wins.
- Describe a time when you witnessed this type of blame.
- Did people feel inspired? Did they feel valued? Did they feel motivated to do their best?
- What is your main takeaway or most important lesson from this video? How will you incorporate this lesson into your own leadership development?
