Credibility

I received the book Wisdom for the Busy Coach by Stephanie Zonars as a thank you gift at Christmas, and have been working my way through it among other projects. The book takes a look at different aspects of coaching and life in two page segments, with a quote on one page and some reflection on the second, followed by an "X's and O's" section and a bible verse.

I've really come to enjoy the lessons in this book, and I wanted to share the information from the section on credibility. It starts with "Credibility is the foundation of leadership. If we don't believe in the messenger, we won't believe in the message." - Jim Kouzes. As I mature as a coach, I find that message to be very applicable and true. I also believe that credibility cannot be established without strong relationships with your players, and without having faced adversity head on. Until those you're leading see you make tough decisions in their best interests, it will be difficult for them to completely trust that you will do so. This is where, Zonars points out, that "credibility is built through actions, not words."

The section goes on to ask some rhetorical questions: "Do you preach about confidence, then shrink back from approaching your own challenges confidently? Do you demand better communication between your players but fail to communicate effectively with your co-workers? Do you encourage your players to put their teammates first but find it difficult to exhibit humility yourself?"

I believe these questions provide a great opportunity for reflection. What things do you emphasize to your players, and then fail to follow through on yourself? Players see this disconnect, and it's confusing for them. Our actions must reflect our professed beliefs, or they damage our credibility.

Finally, the page ends with Matthew 7:20, "Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." To me this is a reminder that as coaches, we will be remembered for what we do, how we act, and the way we treat people far more than any pre-game speech or statement to the media.