Little things, done consistently over time, will add up and generate results.  

When developing our athletes into humans beings who can reach their highest potential both on and off the field, one of the four phases of transformation I train coaches on is “teaching.” By teaching I mean leading and living as an example of what is possible.  

Although easy to do, it still can be incredibly challenging for any adult, but especially for a coach who is leading an entire program.  

I am a technician. I was as a player to improve my own craft, and now as a speaker, trainer and consultant for teams and coaches. Thus, when I am working with coaches I listen closely to their words, watch their body language, study their actions, and analyze their performance. I look for the little things, because they always add up.  

Coaches, you are being watched and studied by your players. They see you as a leader, a mentor, and an example of a strong confident individual. You have chosen a profession where impressionable young people are watching, listening, and modeling you.  

The little things you do, whether it be for the good of the team or not, will create results. Sometimes the results are immediate, such as during the season, other times they are long term and show up in a former player's life long after they played for you.  

You are in position to be an example of what is possible in life.  

The following are a few examples of where you can do little things to be an example and teach your players:  

Respecting referees - Respecting referees, our competitors, and each other is something many leaders face in and out of sports. In fact, my two sons play flag football, and each week I am blown away by how poorly volunteer coaches and parents treat the referees. Where do they learn this behavior? Most likely from their former coaches, their parents, or even by watching coaches on TV.  

RELATED: Why we need officials now more than ever

RELATED: USA Football's course on officiating youth football here.

We do not have to agree with their calls, however teaching your players to treat others with respect in the face of adversity and disagreement is a little thing that will make a big impact on their lives later in life. Little things matter.  

Speaking positive about others behind their back - How many times have you been in a closed door coaches meeting and have heard a coach talking negatively about a player on the team? Probably quite a bit. Calling a player names or speaking negatively about a player in front of your staff is pure laziness. When you do it, you are dismissing the opportunity to train the player to develop skills to overcome their challenges. In addition, when you do it, other coaches feel it’s appropriate, and they do it too. Little things matter.  

Take care of your own health and fitness - Two-thirds of our society is overweight or obese, and unfortunately, coaches are not immune to this epidemic. Your health may seem like a little thing, but it is huge for the success of the team and the future of your players. They are watching you and modeling you.  

Herm Edwards the former coach for the New York Jets, is notorious for taking care of his own health. In fact, when he coached, he was always the first person in the weight room each morning getting his own workout in. Guess what, it helped keep him healthy and sharp as a leader, but also was an example of a lifelong dedication to health and wellness he was teaching his players. Little things matter.  

You are teaching every day with your actions and behavior as an example of what is possible for them. Every little thing matters. 

 

As founder of The Recovering Athlete™, Cletus Coffey teaches and trains coaches, teams, athletes and professionals how to take skills and success learned on the field and apply it to life off the field. As a former defensive back/receiver in the CFL and Arena Football League, and as a first team all- conference football player and a college decathlete at Lewis & Clark College, he faced even bigger challenges once his athletic career was over. By combining his success as a professional athlete and a business/industry expert, he now helps others win at the game of life, not just sports. To connect with Cletus Coffey, email him  info@cletuscoffey.com, follow him @cletuscoffey, or go to https://www.facebook.com/cletuscoffey/ to learn more.