Written by Lao Tzu, an ancient philosopher once said: “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power”. In coaching, the journey towards self-improvement and personal mastery is not just beneficial, it is crucial. This journey starts with a critical question: What is the best version of myself?
Understanding the ‘Best Version of Myself’
The ‘best version of yourself’ is not about achieving an unrealistic ideal or a state of perfection. It’s about becoming more authentic, self-aware, and aligned with your personal values and goals. A research study highlighted the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in effective leadership and coaching (Megginson & Clutterbuck, 2017), which should truly be considered by coaches and staff when they interact with athletes.
Self-Reflection: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for uncovering your strengths, recognizing areas for improvement, and aligning your actions with your values. It involves asking yourself:
What does the best version of yourself look like as a coach and leader?
What strengths do you possess that contribute to your effectiveness as a coach?
What areas can you improve to become a better leader?
Are your actions aligning with your values and goals?
Self-reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and improved leadership effectiveness (Kram & Isabella, 1985) and self-reflection is a journey. While self-reflection can be influenced by an obvious perception and bias, with practice, those can be reduced or at least understood.
The Journey Towards Becoming the Best Version of Yourself
Becoming the best version of yourself is a continuous journey. It’s about lifelong learning, growth, and self-improvement. It’s about striving to be a little better each day. Just like self-reflection, leadership development is a lifelong process, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.
Conclusion
As sports coaches and leaders, exploring the best version of ourselves allows us to grow, improve, and become more effective leaders. So, ask yourself: What is the best version of myself, and how can I work towards becoming it? And while you are thinking about what the best version of yourself is, think of how you can use that best version of yourself to lead your team or program and positively influence the organizational culture!
References
Kram, K. E., & Isabella, L. A. (1985). Mentoring alternatives: The role of peer relationships in career development. Academy of Management Journal, 28(1), 110-132.
Megginson, D., & Clutterbuck, D. (2016). Techniques for Coaching and Mentoring. Routledge.