“One message that I repeat constantly to my players and coaches is that we are all role models. Every human being is a role model. It is an inescapable fact of life. You’re either a good role model or a bad one. Your example is either helpful or harmful. You improve the lives of others or you diminish them. But a role model you most definitely are.”
From The Bowden Way
by Bobby Bowden
I was recently competing in a match while wearing my USA shirt, which I had acquired as a head coach of the racquetball junior national team. “I like your jersey,” my doubles partner said to me. I hadn’t really thought about it when I’d just grabbed a shirt earlier, but it dawned on me then that the shirt I was wearing meant that I was still representing the USA even though I wasn’t representing the USA at that moment. I wasn’t just representing myself. Imagine if I had blown up at a lost point with the USA on my back. “Isn’t he the junior’s coach?” someone might ask. “What kind of example is that?”
The truth is that whether we represent Team USA, our school, college, or our team, it doesn’t matter whether we’re wearing the uniform or not. We’re always representing more than ourselves. Consequently, we must remember that we’re serving as a role model. If we’re arguing with a ref (hopefully never!) or any action that might be “diminishing the lives of others,” we aren’t just representing ourselves. Our behaviors reflect on others. As Bobby Bowden said, “A role model you most definitely are.” Remember this as you instruct, coach, and lead.
Ask Yourself
If someone watched me coach, would they say I’m a positive role model?
Do I consider the impact my actions and behavior have outside of the sport I coach?
Do I consider when I should and should not wear clothing that represents the team/organization I work for?
Excerpt taken from Reflections on the Coaching Life Volume 2.