Coach Fletch here,

I am putting on one of my many different hats for this edition of the “Leadership Toolbox!” Having finally found a seventh-inning stretch in the spring coaching season, I am excited to be back at my desk sharing all things leadership with a hint of quality movie and sports references. 

Last time, we reiterated the importance of being a solutions-oriented leader who embraces the importance of good followership. This time, I would like to share how becoming a sports coach has drastically changed how I conduct business, particularly with the younger generations. 

Listen First, Then Speak

My journey to becoming the head coach of a high school baseball team can get quite lengthy. So, I will deliver the short version. Not so dissimilar to “The Sandlot,” my son lost his real dad at a young age, much like Scott Smalls. 

When I joined my family, I knew I had a long road ahead of me full of learning and adapting to being a father and husband to a family unit that had endured a tragedy and held tightly to one another. I have always found sports one of the best ways to bond and grow with others. Sports are designed to bring out the best in us. They teach us about adversity, show us what we are truly capable of, and provide great joy in success. 

When my son came home and decided to give baseball a try, I knew I had an opportunity to bond with him over something I have known all my life. So, despite my denying I would ever coach the game when I left it as a player 15 years ago, I stepped back onto the diamond. It was as if I had never left. I coached my son for three seasons, and those three seasons proved to be the most educational. 

When coaching ages 9-12, you see a lot of folks doing it wrong, to be honest. At that age, you are lucky to get kids to focus for an hour of practice, let alone an entire game. I learned to listen to them. The funny thing about young people is they often tell you how to lead them if you listen.

I learned that I had to keep practices and drills short and include fun elements. I also learned to celebrate small victories and let them feel the emotions of adversity instead of trying to make everything better. All three of those teams made it to the championship game and lost. The kids did that, not me, but I helped them find their way, and I considered all three teams highly successful despite the losses.

When I made the jump to high school, I embraced the same approach. This time, however, the kids could actually communicate with me. The key was convincing them I could be trusted to listen and acknowledge their input. I did earn their trust, and they developed an appreciation for my honesty and calm communication style. The result is a group of players who, come what may, have a leader they feel respected by and comfortable talking to.

Be Adaptive

I have always embraced a leadership philosophy I call ‘Adaptive Leadership.’ I got the idea as a kid in high school because I heard that Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek spent time with his pitchers off the field and learned their personalities. This allowed him to communicate effectively with each man uniquely in the game. I employed this approach in baseball and found it worked just as well in my professional career. 

Working with a generation of players that have the most information available to them of any generation, I recognized early on that I had to constantly evolve as a coach or risk losing their attention and buy-in. 

I found that everyone constantly tells them how weak and soft their generation is. I observed that young people today do not respond to this critical feedback approach like other generations. Amazingly, I watched as the players did not let the criticism of my predecessor affect them at all. They realized that it was not worth their time or energy to succumb to these tactics. 

When I took over the team, I knew I had to adapt myself and find the best ways to establish and keep their buy-in. Don’t get me wrong, it is not always sunshine and rainbows; there are moments when ‘stern coach Fletcher’ makes an appearance. But much like a bunt or a hit-and-run play, there is a time and a place for each leadership tool. 

My players constantly provide feedback on how to improve things. We are always changing our practice plans and framework, game strategies, and communication styles to adapt to the players and meet each one where they are. 

Accept the Fact That Times Have Changed

To me, the most infuriating thing in life in general is people who complain about something but never get off the bench to try and help improve it. When I hear people talk about Gen Z, it is all doom and gloom about how hopeless they are. No one ever says, “You know what? I’m going to get involved and invest in the next generation like those who invested in me.” 

Yes, times have changed, and we can either accept the current status or we can stop coaching from the stands and get down on the field where the real work is done. Nick Saban, arguably the best college football coach of all time, walked away from the game because he could no longer effectively operate with his approach. I respect that because it shows he is an honest leader who decided it was time to walk away. Perhaps that is something seasoned leaders need to ask themselves: “Am I still able to lead effectively? Can I overcome my personal opinion of the current status of things to adapt and find a new way forward?” 

What Does it All Mean?

Truthfully, I could talk for days about what coaching has translated into my professional life. I catch myself doing things daily, remember lessons I taught my players, and call myself a hypocrite. People often tell me, “Jake, those kids are lucky to have you as their coach.” I shake my head and reply, “I’m the lucky one; those kids change my life every day.” The truth is if you learn to listen, make an effort to adapt, and accept times have changed—and that it’s okay—you will reap more personal growth than you could ever imagine. 

I find myself more self-aware of how I conduct business on a daily basis than at any other time in my life or career. I am constantly honest about what I need to do better and actively seek out how to do it. As for teams and success, I will say this: my team has gone from being 5-17 when I took over mid-season three years ago to being a feared state contender. 

As you look at your own teams, it all begins with you. Ask yourself if you are willing to get outside your comfort zone and explore a new path. You might find embracing a coach’s mentality might change not only your team but your own life as well. 

After all, “a good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life.” See you on the field and in the field!

Coach Fletch over and out.