When Alabama wins a championship people across the state go nuts. The city of Tuscaloosa shuts down. People in the stands are jubilant. The football team runs across the field screaming hugging anyone in sight. Nick Saban, the head coach, claps his hands a few times, jogs across the field, congratulates the other coach and then begins to prepare for the next year. When interviewed he will typically respond, "I'm just so proud of the team. They persevered and came through with a great win against a great team." Ironically, the person who has the most responsibility for the championship title is, at least outwardly, taking the least credit. That's because he's the coach and he understands his role.
Here are three lessons from coaching to help move you down the field.
- A coach has a clear vision of where the team needs to go and how they will get there. Do you have a clear understanding of where the people around you are heading? Where does your family need to be this time next year? Do you have a plan to help guide them down that pathway?
- A coach has mastered the game. Have you done the work of knowing yourself, of facing your own issues? Do you have something to offer others? You cannot give water to thirsty people if you don't have a well from which to draw.
- Your greatest success is when others succeed. This seems counterintuitive, but the most fulfilling and life-giving experience you can have is to help those around you become who they were created to be. Imagine a world in which everyone helped each other reach their greatest potential!