From T-Ball to Tackle Football: Leadership Lessons on the Field
When I began coaching my son’s T-ball team, I found myself in a new realm, quite different from my experiences with service members. Yet, one aspect I was determined to focus on, even with these young third graders, was building character. Each practice started with a discussion on a leadership characteristic, which we would then explore and embody throughout the session.
The following year, as I moved on to coaching flag football, I continued with this approach. Every practice began with intention and a discussion on leadership characteristics. As I honed my coaching skills, my youngest son expressed his interest in playing tackle football. This new season brought me the opportunity to coach the third and fourth-grade tackle football team – an experience that became one of my most rewarding leadership ventures outside of the military.
As a tackle football coach, my priority was ensuring the players stayed injury-free and understood the significance of accountability on and off the field. We adopted the mantra “athletes of character,” emphasizing that accountability would be key in our journey together.
Working with these young players and helping them realize their leadership potential was incredibly fulfilling. One of my primary objectives for all my players was to embody the principle of “winning in character takes charge.” This principle wasn’t something I originated but was something I embraced through my mentor, Major Graves. Major Graves, a pivotal figure in my life as many of you following my posts would know, recommended a book that further reinforced this approach to leadership.
Leadership, as I imparted to my young athletes, isn’t just about what you do on the field or in the two hours of practice. It’s about being a leader at home, at school, and in the community. Whether as a child, parent, grandparent, or community member, leadership is about bringing out the best in people in hopes that they will inspire the best in others.
To close with a thought that resonates deeply with my coaching philosophy, there’s an African proverb that beautifully captures the essence of collective effort and leadership: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This saying, often associated with the philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration – values that are central to effective leadership.
Evan J Howard, MBA, Zeal Consulting 🚀
Join us at Zeal Consulting as we explore and share more insights into leadership, both in sports and in life. Let’s journey together in cultivating leadership that transcends beyond the field and into all aspects of our lives.