reflection essay.
QUESTION: Reflect upon the semester and the topics covered in this course.Identify3 specific topicsthat you have found to be interesting and connected to your career aspirations and development.
No specific length of the reflection. 1
Discussion
Leadership and coaching/ administrative Philosophy
Top of Form
I have always been passionate about developing my leadership skills and becoming an effective coach, manager, and team leader. As such, I have been closely following two of the most successful and influential coaches of our time; John Wooden and Jim Tressel. While their unique styles and approaches to leadership are both incredibly successful, I can learn the most from them and incorporate them into my coaching philosophy. John Wooden is among the most successful and influential college basketball coaches ever. His leadership and coaching philosophy is focused on developing the Pyramid of Success, which is based on the idea that the most successful teams are built on the foundation of essential principles.
According to Wooden, these principles include diligence, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, and intentness. He also believed that a successful team must have good communication, respect for authority, and trust in each other. Woodens leadership and coaching philosophy focuses on instilling these values in his players and molding them into a championship team. Jim Tressel is another successful and influential college football coach. His leadership and coaching philosophy focuses on creating a culture of success and excellence (Miller & Carpenter, 2009). Tressel believes success is achieved through hard work, dedication, and the willingness to work together. He also emphasizes the importance of developing solid relationships with his players and creating a culture of trust, respect, and accountability. Tressels leadership and coaching philosophy focuses on creating an environment where players can be successful, motivated, and accountable.
As I reflect on the philosophies of Wooden and Tressel, there are several fundamental principles that I can incorporate into my own personal leadership and coaching philosophy. First and foremost, I agree with their emphasis on developing solid relationships with their players. Building trust and respect between the coach and players is essential. This will create an environment where players feel comfortable and valued and can work together.
I believe in instilling the principles of the Pyramid of Success in my players. I can create a culture of success and excellence by teaching players the importance of industriousness, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, and intent. This will also help ensure that my players are motivated, accountable, and willing to work together. I agree with the importance of hard work and dedication (Miller & Carpenter, 2009). By committing to hard work and dedication, I can help to ensure that my players are successful on and off the field. This will also help create a culture of success and excellence, ultimately leading to a successful team.
I believe in the importance of having good communication. By having open and honest communication between myself and my players, I can create an environment where players can be comfortable and productive. This will also help to foster a culture of trust, respect, and accountability. In conclusion, John Wooden and Jim Tressel have had great success as coaches and leaders. While their philosophies differ in some ways, they both emphasize the importance of instilling the right values in their players and setting a positive example. My leadership philosophy is heavily influenced by the philosophies of both Wooden and Tressel, and I believe that understanding the players, setting a positive example, being organized and creative, and building relationships with the players, staff, media, and fans are all essential to be an effective leader.
In summary, the philosophies of Wooden and Tressel are invaluable to my leadership and coaching philosophy. By focusing on developing solid relationships with my players, instilling the principles of the Pyramid of Success, committing to hard work and dedication, and having open and honest communication, I can create an environment where my players can be successful, motivated, and accountable. This philosophy will help ensure that my team thrives on and off the field.
References
Miller, L. M., & Carpenter, C. L. (2009). Altruistic leadership strategies in coaching: A case study of Jim Tressel of the Ohio State University.
Strategies,
22(4), 9-12.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/08924562.2009.10590826 Reflection Essay
Fear or Love As Leaders
Given that both coaches had a significant impact on the game of basketball, there has been much discussion on the leadership philosophies of Bobby Knight and Mike Krzyzewski. I learned that Mike Krzyzewski was renowned for his encouraging and nurturing coaching style, in contrast to Bobby Knight’s assertive and frequently threatening leadership style (Zentner, 2015). The question of whether it is better to be loved or feared as a leader will depend on the circumstance and the leader’s specific leadership style. In this essay, we discuss about the significance of both love and fear in organizational leadership.
In the instance of Bobby Knight, he was known for having a fiery temper and had a no-nonsense leadership style. He expected his players to put up much effort, abide by the regulations, and prioritize the team. However, I learned that this strategy successfully inspired his teammates to give their best effort, but it also made them feel nervous and afraid.
On the other hand, Coach K strongly emphasizes developing relationships with his players and showing love to them. Coach K led with love, respect, and support as his guiding principles. He strongly emphasizes the value of collaboration and cultivating an environment where his players may succeed both on and off the field (Silverthorne, 2006). He developed a program that emphasizes on player development, both as basketball players and as people, and has repeatedly emphasized the value of the “whole person.” Coach K is recognized as one of the best coaches of all time and has led Duke to five National Championship victories (Silverthorne, 2006). I learned that Coach K listened to his players, gave them advice when they needed it, and supported them when they needed it. His team members played with a sense of pride and excitement because they felt appreciated and respected.
Research has also shown the value of having a good leadership style. According to studies, a friendly and collaborative work atmosphere is fostered by leaders who display positive emotions and behaviors, which boosts employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity (Silverthorne, 2006). In contrast, a fear-based leadership approach can result in low morale, significant staff turnover, and a lack of confidence in management. I learned that employees feel free and empowered in an environment where their interests are considered. Creating a conducive environment makes employees feel that their contributions are valued.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that Coach K’s player-centric strategy produces better outcomes in terms of both team success and player development (Zentner, 2015). His methods have assisted countless players in realizing their full potential on and off the field, and as a result, numerous players have gone on to have prosperous careers in the NBA.
The best leadership style is one that balances both fear and love. While a little bit of anxiety can motivate, too much can lead to a toxic environment. On the other hand, while love and support are essential, they are not enough to ensure success. A leader must also be able to hold their players accountable and provide clear expectations and guidelines.
In my personal choice, I would choose love as a leader. A supportive and nurturing approach to leadership creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued and respected. When employees feel appreciated and supported, they are more likely to be productive, motivated, and engaged.
In conclusion, both Bobby Knight and Mike Krzyzewski significantly impacted the game of basketball, and their leadership styles continue to be studied and discussed. While both approaches have their merits, a leadership style based on love and support is the most effective, as it creates a positive work environment and helps to foster a sense of community and collaboration.
References
Silverthorne, S. (2006, August 14).
On managing with Bobby Knight and “coach K.” HBS Working Knowledge. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/on-managing-with-bobby-knight-and-coach-k
Zentner, A. (2015). Outside of the lines: A comparison of leadership styles of two collegiate athletic coaches.
SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2625895 Running head: CASE STUDY 1
CASE STUDY 5
Athletic Coaching Leadership Case Study
Athletic Coaching Leadership case study
Coaching is a multifaceted profession that entails far more than physical training. Successful coaches also need to be excellent leaders, great communicators, and have an in-depth knowledge of what drives and motivates people. They must establish a personal connection with their players, inspire them to realize their greatest capabilities, and foster an atmosphere of achievement within their group. For this case study, I selected two coaches who have been internationally recognized for their extraordinary coaching skills: John Wooden and Gregg Popovich.
Who They Are
John Wooden was born in Hall, Indiana, in October 1910. He was brought up on a farm by his father, where he learned the importance of diligence and fortitude. Wooden’s father also taught him the value of an education and the impact of an optimistic outlook. Wooden played basketball and studied English at Purdue University, which he attended after graduating from Martinsville High School (TED, 2014). Wooden played professionally for a brief period after graduating from college before switching to coaching. He started coaching basketball at a high school in 1948 before moving on to Indiana State University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Wooden won ten national championships in twelve years at UCLA, an unprecedented record in collegiate basketball (Maxwell, 2017). Wooden was known for his strong principles and ideals throughout his life, which he owed to his background in a tiny, rural village. He emphasized the value of hard effort, self-discipline, and self-control and urged his players to strive for personal growth and perfection (Lavin, 2021). He was also a fervent Christian who frequently discussed the significance of faith and spirituality in his life. Significant influences on Wooden’s life and profession comprised his father, who established a solid commitment to work and moral principles, and his wife, Nellie, who gave him unfailing support throughout his life. At the age of 99, Wooden passed away in June 2010. His leadership philosophies and ideals continue to motivate coaches and athletes all around worldwide, and he is remembered as one of the best basketball coaches in history.
Gregg Popovich was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1949. He came from humble beginnings and was taught the importance of education, hard labor, and community involvement. Popovich started his coaching career in 1988 as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs after attending the US Air Force Academy and serving four years in the Air Force (Secret Base, 2022). Popovich became the Spurs’ head coach in 1996 and immediately cemented himself as one of the greatest and most prominent coaches in the history of the NBA. Popovich is known for his strong morals and ideals, which he has repeatedly demonstrated on and off the pitch. He is an outspoken advocate for social justice and has been a driving force in the NBA’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusiveness (Jasner, 2023). He is also well-known for his emphasis on establishing connections with his players and his ability to foster a positive team spirit. His time in the Air Force, where he learned the value of discipline and teamwork, significantly influenced Popovich’s life and career. He also credited the late NBA coach Phil Jackson as significantly influencing his coaching philosophy and technique. Still, in charge of the Spurs, Popovich is recognized as one of the all-time best NBA coaches. His guiding principles and leadership style continue to motivate players and coaches around.
Distinguishable Qualities
John Wooden was renowned for his tenacious work ethic, dedication to self-discipline and self-control, and emphasis on individual growth and teamwork. He believed success could only be attained through perseverance, commitment, and a positive outlook (Lavin, 2021). Wooden was an excellent communicator and player-coach relationship builder. On the other hand, Gregg Popovich is renowned for fostering a team environment based on mutual respect and trust. He is a gifted orator who can strike up meaningful conversations with his players and motivate them to band together in pursuit of a common objective. Popovich has also made headlines for using his position as a coach to advocate for social justice causes he believes in.
Leadership Styles
Regarding leadership styles, John Wooden was noted for his transformational leadership. He concentrated on developing close relationships with his players and fostering a healthy team culture, which aided in motivating and inspiring his players. He also emphasized the necessity of discipline and self-control, which enabled his players to improve their skills and perform better (Maxwell, 2017). His ability to connect with his team and offer them helpful criticism helped them flourish under his direction. On the other hand, Gregg Popovich is well-known for his collaborative style, in which he builds a team atmosphere based on mutual trust and respect (Jasner, 2023). His players benefit from his wisdom and encouragement, and he pushes them to improve.
Leadership Development
Overall, this case study has helped me understand the value of developing close bonds with team members, giving helpful criticism, and inspiring others to do their best work. It has also demonstrated the importance of self-control, perseverance, and a positive outlook in achieving success. I think I can become a better leader and accomplish my own achievement goals in both my personal and professional life by modeling the leadership traits of John Wooden and Gregg Popovich. I have also discovered that effective leadership necessitates a readiness to change and grow and a dedication to using your platform to better the world.
References
Jasner, P. (2023). Gregg Popovich. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gregg-Popovich
Lavin, L. G. and J. (2021, March 18). 8 keys to coach John Wooden’s servant leadership. Entrepreneur. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/8-keys-to-coach-john-woodens-servant-leadership/360155#:~:text=Legendary%20basketball%20coach%20John%20Wooden,everyone%20in%20his%20organization%20succeed.
Maxwell, J. (2017, February 18). John C. Maxwell: Why John Wooden’s teams won. SUCCESS. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.success.com/john-c-maxwell-why-john-woodens-teams-won/
Secret Base. (2022). Gregg Popovich: nobody, snake … G.O.A.T. https://youtu.be/bSTpoxLrZCg
TED. (2014). The difference between winning and succeeding. https://www.ted.com/talks/john_wooden_the_difference_between_winning_and_succeeding?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
