Under the Microscope

Coaches should always remember that they are operating under the microscope. What I mean by that is they should act and behave as if they are being carefully studied and watched – because THEY ARE! If someone in a leadership role comes to the class late, it sends a clear message to everyone ‘it’s OK to be late’. If they slouch against a wall during class it sends a clear message that ‘slouching against the wall during class is OK’. When a coach makes a small promise and fails to keep it – it sends a clear message ‘I am not worthy of your trust’.
I am often amazed at the behaviour of people in leadership and coaching roles. I doubt they are aware of the messages they are sending and how many people are reading those messages. I am even more amazed when I see people in leadership roles behaving one way but expecting their students to behave in an other; such behaviour is immature and unbecoming of a leader.
Many of the people that read this blog are instructors and coaches themselves. I urge those of you who have those roles to remember that you can only expect others to behave in the ways that you behave. How you act – you can expect your students to act. How you dress, behave, speak and carry yourself in class – will set the tone for how everyone else dresses, behaves, speaks and carries themselves in class. When you make a small promise – keep it. Earn trust. The culture you want to create in your school – starts with YOU!
Best wishes,
JBW