Thoughts On a Coaching Community

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a virtual round-table discussion that was set up through CrewLAB. No, this isn’t a thinly veiled commercial. Instead, this is a reminder of how important it is for you to have a community of peers around you.

Certainly, part of that community is the rest of your coaching staff (if you aren’t flying solo) and the support staff you have around your team (athletic trainers and academic support for collegiate programs; parents and board members for junior programs). There are more resources out there.

This is a reminder of how important it is for you to have a community of peers around you.

I communicate regularly with a formal group of other NCAA head rowing (and running) coaches. Occasionally I’m able to contribute to the group (I think) and often I benefit from the conversations that occur. These range from talking about our current leadership challenges to the most difficult times of our lives to how to handle taking over a new program.

The CrewLAB round-table included two members of CrewLAB, one collegiate assistant coach, one junior head coach, one executive director, and me. All in different positions, from different backgrounds, dealing with variations of the same issues and similar ways of dealing with them. Even when I don’t steal a nugget from one of these meetings, I’m still left with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that other people are dealing with the same stuff I am. It makes me feel less crazy.

CrewLAB Note:

David here - we're actively building the biggest, most vibrant community of coaches in the world, and we'd love to find a way for you to get involved. Learn more about the commuity.