Winner's Circle

We celebrate the winners of finite games. We give them our attention, our cheers and sometimes our trust. The nice thing about a finite game is the boundaries. There are prescribed rules of play and we keep score so we know who to celebrate. Infinite games however, the games we play in life have no score, and the boundaries are shaped by culture and worldview…and they change. Getting better at chess or soccer is fairly straightforward. Learn strategy, adapt to conditions and improve physical skills. Getting better at infinite games, like a relationship with a co-worker or child, takes different skills. There’s no finality, no winner or loser. We play for the sake of playing. And, to make things better for everyone. How can we get better at playing the infinite games? Who do we choose to play with? What’s it for? Who’s it for? Consider and choose wisely.

Photo: Redhook Crit Championship, Barcelona, Spain 2016

Better Players

Athletics, especially amateur youth athletics, needs great coaches. We need them because athletics is such a big part of our culture. In many ways, both good and bad, it helps define who young people seek to become. Whether a child directly participates or watches the theatre on TV, sports is likely to impact their life in some way.

Coaches in many ways are the stewards of our youth, and have the chance to help craft a culture we can all be proud of. All coaches deserve our gratitude for stepping into such an important role. But...some coaches don't understand what coaching is for. Some believe their job is to make better players, higher achieving athletes who will have a better chance to be picked at the next level. Some believe winning games, making the play-offs and finishing first is the primary goal. Some are part of systems which make this the primary goal. And, these aspirations are part of it...but only part it. Winning isn't the only reason we play the game.

A better player isn't confined to athletic prominence. A better player is one who treats others with dignity and respect, both teammates and opponents. A better player is one who cares enough to see and understand the others, and to help even when no one is looking. A better player has integrity, a high moral compass and acts calmly, especially in stressful situations. A better player understands what's on offer, an infinite game within the game...life wrapped in sport. A better player is a leader who plays with intention and purpose and always shows up completely despite the circumstances or outcome. A better player is a person who inspires us, not so much with their physical skill, but how they play the game. A better player is a better person first and a better athlete second.

Some coaches do a masterful job of serving their teams as role models and doing the hard work of creating and leading a culture of making better people, not just better players. Thank you.

Coaching to make better players or better people. It's an important choice. Choose wisely.