Business and sports have much in common, and coaches in both fields — be it on the sports field or in the boardroom — can greatly benefit from each other’s experiences and insights. Both require strategic thinking, teamwork, the ability to perform under pressure, and staying informed through resources like Asse actu to understand the latest trends.
Successful sports coaches possess techniques and strategies that can enhance leadership skills in the corporate world. By examining these methods, executive mentors can learn to inspire teams, foster resilience, and accomplish objectives. Here are leadership lessons from legendary sports coaches that executive mentors should embrace to drive success and innovation.
1. Embrace persistence
Persistence is key in leadership, whether you’re in the boardroom, a Vistage Chair, or on the field. People look to their leaders for inspiration during tough times. Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, knew adversity and the importance of facing it with grace and confidence.
He famously said, “Never give up, never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss.”
2. Foster relationships
Jim Calhoun, who once led the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team, achieved over 900 victories during his distinguished career spanning more than 40 years.Yet, he emphasized that relationships mattered most, not just the accolades. “While winning and championships are memorable, they stem from the strength of relationships” he said.
In executive coaching, building trust and personal connections with members fosters long-lasting and productive partnerships.
3. Be attentive
Executive coaches need to be tuned into what their mentees aren’t saying or even noticing. Hall of Fame football coach John Madden advised, “Coaches must be vigilant, observing what they’d rather ignore and listening to what they wish they didn’t have to hear.”
Recognizing a problem is the first step to solving it. Chairs, being a little removed from the daily struggles of their members, gain unique clarity about tough truths, which is essential for mitigating damage and creating positive change.
4. Empower others
Switching from an executive role to being a mentor requires a change in mindset — your main role is to support others. Many mentors believe their mentees already have the answers they need; it’s about empowering them to realize those answers and take action. This philosophy resonates with coaches everywhere.
As Homer Rice, former head coach of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, noted, “You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation.”
5. Learn from mistakes
Mistakes happen in any pursuit. Dean Smith, former UNC men’s basketball coach and two-time national champion, asked, “What do you do with a mistake?” His answer: “Recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it.”
He understood the balance between learning from mistakes and dwelling on them. As a coach, making the wrong call is part of the journey, but it shouldn’t stop you from facing new challenges and supporting your mentees.
6. Play the long game
Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship but were knocked out in the first round the next year. Coach Pat Riley attributed this to “the disease of more,” where past success made players feel entitled to rewards without effort. Instead, Riley championed the idea that “excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” Executive coaches who embrace realism and patience can achieve lasting success.
