Too many strength and conditioning coaches think they are drill sergeants. They are not. Drill sergeants are drill sergeants. We work in athletics with people playing kids games. Does this mean our job is not serious? No. Does it mean that our ability to provide financially for ourselves/ our family is dependent on outcomes of games? Sometimes. But this does not mean we need to act like military officers.

Leadership is a critical aspect of success in both sports and the military. Strength and conditioning coaches are leaders on the team they work with. They need to know the difference between coaching and the military though. In a recent podcast, a former softball coach shared her journey of transitioning from coaching to becoming an infantry officer in the army. Through her experience, she highlighted the similarities between coaching a sports team and leading a platoon of soldiers. Both require identifying individuals’ strengths and weaknesses and placing them in positions where they can excel.

Leadership affects team culture.

One of the key takeaways is the importance of investing in coaching and leadership development. Coaching is one of the best jobs in the world, but it also requires a significant investment in time and energy. Coaches must be willing to put in the work to build relationships with their athletes, develop their skills, and create a culture of success.

Similarly, military officers must invest in their leadership abilities to be effective in their roles. They must learn how to motivate and inspire their soldiers, communicate effectively, and make decisions under pressure. These skills are all critical for success in both sports and the military.

Another critical aspect of leadership in both sports and the military is collaboration. Coaches must work closely with strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, and professors to create a comprehensive training program that meets their athletes’ needs. In the military, officers must collaborate with their peers and superiors to achieve their mission objectives.

Ultimately, leadership through sports and the military requires a commitment to personal growth and development. As the former coach noted, she knew that she had to take her leadership abilities to a different level, which is why she decided to become an infantry officer. By investing in her development, she was able to achieve her goals and become a certified bad-ass.

Coaches and military officers must be willing to invest in their development, build relationships, collaborate with others, and inspire their athletes and soldiers towards success. By doing so, they can create a culture of success that leads to the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.

Leadership is impactful and dynamic.

Leadership is not just about holding a position or title, but it is something that is practiced every day. It is about the way one carries themselves, the way they interact with others, and their ability to impact and change the lives of those around them. A good leader must be aware of their impact on others, both positively and negatively. They must strive to be a better person for themselves and for those they lead. Bad leadership, on the other hand, is characterized by selfishness, a lack of integrity, and a lack of motivation to drive people towards success.



However, in some team sports, there are leaders who may not necessarily be liked by their team members but are successful in leading their team to victory. This type of leadership is often focused on winning at all costs and may not prioritize building relationships or creating a positive culture. Despite this true leadership is about more than just winning. It is about creating a culture of success that benefits everyone involved. Good leaders invest in their own development, build relationships with those they lead, collaborate with others, and inspire their team towards success.

I must be emphasized that leadership is a dynamic and impactful force that can shape the success of individuals, teams, and organizations. Good leaders prioritize integrity, self-awareness, and building relationships, while bad leaders focus on selfishness and a lack of motivation. Ultimately, the best leaders are those who are able to create a culture of success that benefits everyone involved.

Build relationships for coaching success.

Coaching is a challenging field that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. It can be especially tough for young coaches who are transitioning from being athletes to coaching. However, building relationships can be a key factor in achieving success in this field. One of the challenges that young coaches face is separating their personal and professional relationships. It can be difficult to transition from being peers to being in a position of authority over the athletes. One of the easiest ways to do this is to coach at a different school than the one you played at.

However, not every coach has the luxury of leaving the school where they played. In such cases, find mentors and people who are willing to help. Be willing to learn from others, regardless of their field. Coaches should be curious and have a hand in every piece of the puzzle. They should be interested in what the strength coaches, athletic trainers, and teachers are doing. This allows them to be the connecting factor between all the stakeholders and to gain a broader perspective on coaching.

Building relationships is not just about networking; it also involves seeking advice and guidance from experienced coaches. Most coaches are excited to help others grow and are willing to share their knowledge. By building relationships with other coaches, young coaches can learn from their experiences and avoid making the same mistakes.

Coaching is a challenging field that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Young coaches can face many obstacles, including the difficulty of separating personal and professional relationships. However, building relationships can be a key factor in achieving success. Coaches should seek out mentors and people who are willing to help. They should be curious and have a hand in every piece of the puzzle. By building relationships with other coaches, young coaches can learn from their experiences and avoid making the same mistakes.

Invest in coaching and leadership.

Leadership skills are crucial in guiding athletes towards success, both on and off the field. Coaches should strive to be leaders that inspire and motivate their athletes to be their best selves. This requires not only knowledge of the sport but also understanding how to communicate effectively and build trust with their athletes. It is also important for coaches to invest in their own education and development.

While a degree in coaching is not necessary, coaches should seek out certifications and continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques in their field. This not only benefits the coach but also their athletes, as they can provide the best possible training and injury prevention strategies. By working together and utilizing each other’s expertise, coaches can create a culture of success and teamwork. This requires open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn from others. In conclusion, investing in coaching and leadership is essential for success in the field.

Building relationships, investing in education and development, and collaborating with others can all contribute to creating a culture of success and achieving the best possible outcomes for athletes. Aspiring coaches should take these lessons to heart and strive to be leaders that inspire and motivate their athletes towards success.