I have been engaged in the world of coaching for a very long time and have been able to see that coaches have become more aware of the impact that they can have on their athletes.  I see it, also, with leaders in the business world.

I think that leaders fundamentally care about the people they are accountable for.  However their perspective on what it takes to maximize the opportunity has changed slowly over time.

 Coaches have more tools in their toolbox.  They are getting that œrelationship is the key to everything.  They are continuing to learn what it takes to create those relationships and that it is their responsibility to do so.  In this endeavor be clear; there is always more to go.

 Building those relationships because it is a œbetter way to win could be the biggest misuse of a coachs effort.  Of course, you want to produce the result. The purpose of any game is to declare a winner.  The process, however, is facilitated by the growth and development of the participants.  What if you could say that each one gave 100% of what they had each and every day?  And, what if you could do that not kill yourself in the process?

 You see, I have a big concern that the œmade-for TV-world we live in will put people in their own pressure cooker.  If you dont get that your job is just your job, not your life, I am fearful that you will want to quit in your prime or have failing health or lose out in the most important area of your life.

 œWhat am I talking about?, you might be thinking.  Well, here it is.  Your job is one area of your life and the least fragile.  There will always be another job.  What about these other areas?

     -FAMILY”Spouse, Children, Parent, Brothers and Sisters and extended family.

      What you miss of childrens lives you will never get back.  I am an expert in this area.

    -HEALTH”I am sad when I hear a fifty something coach has a stroke or dies of a heart attack in their prime.  Yes , their prime.  The great John Wooden told me he didnt learn to coach until his fifties.

  -SPIRIT”Whatever your religion, belief system or way of nourishing your being adds to the quality of your life.  It is where you are grounded to meet whatever gets thrown at you.

  -FRIENDS”The people in your life who take you at face value come hell or high water, through thick and thin.  You know, those few that will tell you the truth whether you like it or not.

Your job is a rubber ball.  It will bounce back.  The others are fragile.  They can be nicked, scratched and even broken.  They may never recover.  Whatever you didnt get done at work will be there tomorrow  The laughter of your child or the hug from your friend you missed is gone.  We need every accomplished coach we can have.  Do not put yourself on the disable list in any way.

Coach Todds new book for college coaches will be on-line before the end of the year on YouPublish.com or lulu.com.  It is titled œThe Art of Losing”Coaching athletics and thriving in a œmade-for-TV-world.