Bessie the Boss - p

This is Bessie, the Boss. She likes to order people around. Hey. isn't that your job? I mean, aren't you the one with 'COACH' in big letters on your jacket?

Golly, what can we do about her? What Bessie wants is to be in charge of things. You can't let her do that. No player can serve two head coaches.

Example:

You have just told all of the outfielders to shag fly balls and you are working with the infielders. You have asked Winnie, a sub infielder, to join the outfielders because she has had problems with pop-ups. You look out in the field and Bessie is all over Winnie, telling her that she doesn't belong out there. Winnie is feeling hurt and it won't be long before she's at your side.

Your feelings:

Anger - “Who does she think she is? She's not going to get away with that around here. At least, not as long as I'm the coach.” (Reaction to a power tactic)

What you would like to do:

Confront her. “O.K., Bessie. Cut out that bossy stuff and take care of your own business. I'll give the orders around here.” Bessie will probably argue, “But, Coach, Winnie was out of place and I was just telling her what she was supposed to be doing.” If you argue or throw in some threats, Bessie will back off with a sullen, defiant look in her eyes. You will hear more from her -- you can bet your next paycheck on that.

What you can do:

“Bessie. It's O.K. I told Winnie to shag flies. She needs the practice. While I’m here let’s show these guys how to catch a fly ball and throw to the plate to get someone trying to score.” You have done two things, 1) you have re-emphasized your authority with Bessie without getting into a power struggle and 2) you have given Bessie a good, constructive outlet for her need to be in charge - she can show them how it’s done.

Bessie's Goal: Power