A Platform for "Reconstruction"

In the course of my experiences as a coach and consultant, I have watched the relationship dynamic that exists between all constituencies of the athletic culture deteriorate in a rather significant manner. Communication, honesty, trust, and fundamental respect have eroded to such an extent that chaos, angst, and confusion are now part of the accepted norms of daily operations.

As an educator, I have made it one of my objectives to bring an awareness to these populations, as well as the public in general, that these problems do exist AND the toll it is taking upon both the people involved, and the quality of the experience. We watch as more student-athletes walk away from the games they love, coaches careers and reputations are destroyed, and parents spend excessive amounts of time and money on chasing dreams of greatness that are elusive at best.

As a consultant, I have made it my life's purpose to help all people in the athletic experience be aware that organized sports can be a great tool for educating and socializing people in such areas as teamwork, leadership, excellence, and character. Many of the lessons that can be taught by participation and competition can only serve to benefit us in all aspects of our lives - be it as a parent, manager, teacher, or just a citizen of the community.

In all of these roles and scenarios of my life in athletics, I am also aware that most of the solutions to these problems have been safely posited as "band-aids" rather than "reconstruction"....and it is this quick-fix mentality that is failing to address the core issues with any meaningful resolution. In many ways, these feel-good propositions only serve to make the problems and challenges more difficult to see and functionally engage. Truth be told; if you focus your attention on curing the symptoms, you become intellectually and attitudinally blind to substantive intervention.

There are plenty of symptoms that we witness everyday in our modern-day athletic organizations, associations, and teams. Among them are:

Constant and pervasive crisis, chaos, and conflict

Lack of boundaries

Rules are inconsistent and consequences malleable

Communication is more a "weapon of control" than a "tool of understanding"

Relationships are manipulative and destructive instead of supportive and growth-oriented

Character is NOT valued and ethical deterioration is widespread

Is it any wonder why the athletic experience has become a fruitless and unsatisfying opportunity for so many.

What is even more painful is the fact that most of these problems can be solved - but we are going to find its recovery point ONLY when all populations involved take ownership of the issues, and are willing to commit to long-term awareness and establishment of functional principles and processes.

We can no longer build solutions from feel-good platitudes and wishful thinking.

We can no longer expect one population to rise above the fray and lead if other populations are not held to the same standards.

We can no longer expect relationships and communication to mend significantly if there is no clarity of purpose, unity of objectives, and ownership of the process.

So what is the remedy? Here is one perspective on the steps for a functional solution:

1 - People will often say that the first step in finding the resolution of a problem is to admit that there is a problem. That premise is a tad too simplistic. I find it almost implausible that people affiliated with athletics - at all levels - would not admit that there are very profound issues facing every organization, association, or department. What in fact needs to be the first step is an acknowledgement that the solutions are systemic and of a long-term process. Answers found solely in improving individual competency as a leader or communicator - while valuable - are misplaced and suffer from inconsistent application and lasting utility. You can't promote sanity in an individual and then place them in a dysfunctional environment and simply HOPE that they have the capacity to stay strong and advance the cause.

2 - Seek diligently to define/refine the purpose for existence. This is an ongoing process and one that needs almost constant attention. This does two very important things for the team/organization: one; it allows for the constant growth and evolution of the stated objectives. While most principles will remain consistent, there will be subtle changes and alterations that serve to keep visions fresh, and missions representative of specific desires. Secondly; this dialogue promotes ownership and keeps people aware that growth, excellence, and achievement are outcomes that must be addressed 24/7/365. Static assumptions only promote cultural stagnation and interpersonal dissonance.

3 - Teach the skills of functional communication, healthy growth-oriented relationships, and character. Show me an organization that is filled with people who say what needs to be said - are committed to the success and happiness of ALL members - and operate with an ethical and moral compass....and I will show you the template of a Champion in heart, mind, and spirit.

4 - Mentor leaders with the advocacy of discipline and relentless support. Leadership is a valued commodity...but it must be nurtured and advanced with passion and patience. I'm not sure that you can actually teach leadership. In reality, it is a skill that is valued by all, and subsequently modeled for all.

I want to make it abundantly clear that as a coach, educator, trainer, or consultant that I find nothing wrong with the process of personal growth and self-improvement of all members of an athletic association or team. What can't be ignored or passed-off as too time-consuming, expensive, or unnecessary is the attention to organizational design and structure. A healthy culture is established when people, principles, and processes are in alignment and function with integrity. To build and maintain such a functional dynamic does not insure a glorious nirvana for all, but it does allow for achievement and satisfaction to be realized by all members of their specific athletic community.

Let's hope that the better angels of our nature come to realize that we hold within our hands the capacity (and the need) to grow personally...inter-personally....and collectively.