Written by Coaching in sports goes beyond the realm of performance metrics and winning strategies. It shapes the culture of an organization and profoundly impacts athletes’ lives. At the core of this influence are the organization’s values, the guiding principles that help to navigate the complexities of the coaching role.
Values of an organization provide the framework for behavior, decision-making, and create an organizational culture that is unique and influential (Kilburg, 2006). These values provide the necessary roadmap to steer an organization towards its mission, vision, and goals.
So, what are values in the context of an organization?
Essentially, values are fundamental beliefs that help shape behavior and guide decisions. Every organization has a unique set of values, which may encompass elements such as teamwork, resilience, respect, pursuit of excellence, or integrity.
The guiding values of an organization become the direction of the organization. Understanding an organization’s values is particularly crucial in a coaching role. These values provide a structure within which the coach operates, ensuring alignment between the coach’s actions, the athlete’s development, and the organization’s objectives.
Values of an organization significantly shape coaches’ practices and the overall environment (Mallett et al., 2016). When coaches understand and align with these values, they create an environment that fosters the optimal development of their athletes, both on and off the field.
However, understanding organizational values is only part of the equation. For truly effective coaching, there needs to be a convergence between personal values and organizational values. This alignment enables coaches to lead with authenticity. Leading with authenticity positively impacts athletes and enhances the team’s performance” (Jones, Armour, & Potrac, 2004).
Understanding your organization’s values is not a mere theoretical exercise but a vital aspect of effective and meaningful coaching. It provides the necessary alignment for navigating the complexities of your role and shaping the experiences of the athletes you lead.
References:
Kilburg, R.R. (2006). Executive Wisdom: Coaching and the Emergence of Virtuous Leaders.
Mallett, C.J., Rynne, S.B. & Billett, S. (2016). Valued learning experiences of early career and experienced high-performance coaches, Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 21:1, 89-104.
Jones, R. L., Armour, K. M., & Potrac, P. (2004). Sports Coaching Cultures: From Practice to Theory. Routledge.