Coach Leadership™
Many coaches believe players are watching during games.
During practices.
During team meetings.
During drills.
They are.
But players are also watching at times that coaches rarely consider.
They watch how coaches handle mistakes.
They watch how coaches treat officials.
They watch how coaches speak to parents.
They watch how coaches react to adversity.
They watch how coaches behave after losses.
They watch how coaches celebrate victories.
They watch everything.
For young players, coaches often become among the most influential adults in their lives outside their family.
A coach may spend hundreds of hours with a player over the course of a season.
Sometimes several seasons.
That influence extends far beyond hockey.
Players remember systems.
Players remember drills.
Players remember practices.
But years later, they often remember something else.
How the coach made them feel.
Did the coach believe in them?
Did the coach respect them?
Did the coach treat people properly?
Did the coach remain calm under pressure?
Did the coach lead by example?
The answers to those questions often remain long after the final game.
Many coaches underestimate their impact.
A simple conversation can change a player’s confidence.
A moment of encouragement can influence an entire season.
A show of patience can build trust.
A display of character can teach a lesson that lasts a lifetime.
Leadership is rarely demonstrated during perfect moments.
Leadership is most visible during difficult moments.
When things go wrong.
When emotions are high.
When disappointment is present.
That is when players pay the closest attention.
Because they are learning.
Not only how to play hockey.
How to handle life.
The reality is simple.
Every player is watching.
The words you use matter.
The actions you take matter.
The example you set matters.
Long after players forget the score, they often remember the coach.
Not because of wins and losses.
Because of leadership.
And that leadership starts with understanding that every player is watching.
When To Revisit This Moment
• Before a season begins.
• During difficult situations.
• Before important conversations.
• During challenging stretches.
• Anytime leadership needs a reminder.
Related Hockey Life Moments™
• Leadership Beyond The Bench
• Belief Changes Players
• Hard Conversations
• The Coach They Remember
• More Than A Game
Coach Leadership™
The Right Perspective For The Right Moment™
Presented by The Hockey Resource™
North American Hockey Media Company
PRESENTED BY: thehockeyresource.com and thehockeytournamentresource.com – mark@thehockeyresource.com
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Mark Hetherman
Executive Director
The Hockey Resource
thehockeytournamentresource.com
