Written by In the arena of sports coaching, personal values and beliefs act as an invisible guiding hand, shaping our interactions, decisions, and coaching practices (Hardy, Jones, & Gould, 1996).
The Role of Values and Beliefs in Coaching
Values represent the principles we consider important, guiding our behavior and decisions (Rokeach, 1973). On the other hand, beliefs are the convictions or acceptances that certain things are true or real. In the context of coaching, our values and beliefs significantly impact how we lead our athletes, make decisions, communicate, and motivate our team (Jones, Armour, & Potrac, 2003). They form the foundation of our coaching philosophy, dictating our approach to leadership and athlete development.
Values and Beliefs in Action
For instance, a coach who values respect and fairness may emphasize a supportive and equitable environment, ensuring all athletes are treated fairly and respected. This could manifest in equal playtime, unbiased feedback, and fostering a culture of mutual respect among athletes. Similarly, if a coach strongly believes in the potential of each individual to grow and improve, they may adopt a developmental approach, investing time and effort into each athlete’s individual growth and setting high expectations for their performance (Côté & Gilbert, 2009).
The Power of Reflection
Reflecting on our values and beliefs, and how they influence our coaching, allows us to lead more intentionally and authentically. This self-awareness can help align our coaching practices with our principles, leading to more effective and consistent leadership (Vallée & Bloom, 2005). Our personal values and beliefs greatly influence our coaching practices. By understanding this influence, we can ensure our coaching is authentic, effective, and true to our principles.
References:
Côté, J., & Gilbert, W. (2009). An integrative definition of coaching effectiveness and expertise. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(3), 307-323.
Hardy, L., Jones, G., & Gould, D. (1996). Understanding psychological preparation for sport: Theory and practice of elite performers. John Wiley & Sons.
Jones, R. L., Armour, K. M., & Potrac, P. (2003). Constructing expert knowledge: A case study of a top-level professional soccer coach. Sport, Education and Society, 8(2), 213-229.
Rokeach, M. (1973). The nature of human values. Free press.
Vallée, C. N., & Bloom, G. A. (2005). Building a successful university program: Key and common elements of expert coaches. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 17(3), 179-196.