Leadership is an essential aspect of any group or organization. Leadership determines various activities and practices that a group or organizations intend to implement. As I pursue my career in coaching, leadership will be essential in ensuring I give the necessary direction to my team of athletes, including the trainees. I intend to utilize numerous resources to improve my coaching skills, including the knowledge I gain from the course and the relevant books the course exposes me to, such as “Wooden on Leadership” by John Wooden. This book explores effective leadership and how an individual can develop a successful team or organization. It equips the readers with the necessary practical leadership skills and shows them how to utilize them in coaching effectively. This paper demonstrates how leadership can be an essential element of coaching.
“Wooden on Leadership” is a book by John Wooden that provides invaluable information regarding coaching and leadership. Integrity and character in leadership are the essential elements and takeaways I have learned after reviewing Wooden’s book and other course materials from class. The author demonstrates how significant it is to work on character growth and development. Growing character is essential in ensuring that a leader understands how to respond to challenges regardless of the situation, including when under pressure (Wooden, 2005). These aspects resonate with me significantly because coaching is not solely about providing necessary skills. This career goes beyond teaching tactics because, as a coach, I must also be a mentor and role model. Showcasing necessary values will help me assert similar values and principles to the team. It will be easy for them to replicate and uphold because their coach and leader embody them.
Wooden explores different coaching elements necessary for success that can be valuable in a coaching career. An example is how the author emphasizes goal setting and establishing strong values. First, these elements demonstrate the leader’s intentions and give direction on where the team is heading. Through the ambitions expressed in the established goals, one can determine the team’s commitment to specific activities. On the other hand, it also helps build a positive culture within the team that allows every individual to collaborate (Wooden, 2005). I have learned from Wooden’s coaching process that it is essential for the coach and leader to create a conducive environment for all athletes within the team. It allows, motivates, and encourages them to express themselves and showcase and use their talents maximumly effectively. It is also essential to understand the weaknesses and strengths of the athletes to provide tailored guidance that mitigates their weaknesses while encouraging where they excel the most.
My “Pyramid of Success” entails various principles and values I uphold. They always act as a roadmap and building blocks for the success of multiple activities I engaged in previously at a personal and professional level. For example, I believe in integrity, where transparency and honesty are essential in everything I engage in and everyone I interact with. Integrity has helped build trust with my athletes on many occasions, which has seen us experience addressing issues and challenges as a team.
Communication is also an essential element that I believe in. Effective and clear dialogue has been vital in ensuring athletes express their concerns and desires openly, which has helped create a sense of belonging. It has also ensured that everyone develops a sense of purpose because of the belief each member has. However, teamwork is at the top of the pyramid (Wooden, 2005). I have always believed that teamwork is the most essential element that a coach must emphasize in the team. In this case, every member’s contribution towards success is acknowledged and valued. By creating a supportive environment, I will foster the collective responsibility that members must have to achieve the team’s established common goals and objectives.
Wooden provides real-life examples demonstrating how he incorporated different practices and techniques to succeed in his career journey. Through the anecdotes by the author, I can relate them to some of the challenges and experiences I face in my professional life (Wooden, 2005). Furthermore, it also prepares me for the potential experiences I am more likely to encounter in the coaching process. I can visualize some of the aspects the author explores and how I will navigate and address the more or less similar challenges my profession will subject me to. It has inspired me to learn more about how to develop a robust and cohesive team by emphasizing the team members’ relationship because it positively influences their performance.
In conclusion, I have learned numerous things from the course reading materials and lessons in general. I have learned that developing values as a coach and leader is essential in developing an effective leadership style. An example is integrity, which fosters trust that team members must have to collaborate effectively. The leader must also create a conducive environment for effective communication. It helps individuals to express themselves and address challenges they might be experiencing in their encounters. Wooden also emphasizes teamwork in his book, which resonates with me. Understanding these aspects will help me recognize and nurture the talents of athletes.
Wooden, J. (2005). Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization. McGraw Hill. 1-25.