'Game Changers' | Winnie the Whiner?

One of our assistant coaches, Allison Long, has stopped you on the way to your car. Winnie made another statement during last weekend’s game and there may be something we’re missing in our dealing with our - in Winnie’s words - “Game-Changers”, “BenchWarmers", “Scrubs”, or “Sub”, “just- whatevers”!

“I stopped Winnie after practice today and asked her about her comment during the game.” Coach Long shared

“Winnie appears to have honest concern. She asked a legitimate question, about an incident with Bessie. It had to do with the relationship between our starting players and our Game Changers.”

Reminder 0f previous incident from blog Bessie the Boss: “You have asked Winnie, a game changer 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.”

“Coach, I think we should meet as a coaching staff to unpack this further. What do you think"?

“Okay, this sounds like something we at least have to review. Let’s all bring some thoughts about this to the meeting. How about tomorrow before practice at The House of DoNuts?”

Next day at the meeting – thoughts to explore:

Does Winnie have a valid concern? What is the truth and reality in Winnie’s perceptions and concerns? Has she been treated as less than others?

Is she really a member of the Pack? How are we living our Wolf and Pack philosophy?

What is our belief about the status of ALL members of our team, the Falcons?

Could she, and other ‘Game Changers’, perceive being neglected as compared to the treatment being given to Stan, Connie, etc.

For example:

• Does she get the same amount of time in batting practice as Bessie?

• Does a ‘Game Changer’ have a chance to becoming a ‘Starter’ and experiencing the game from multiple roles?

What are ‘needs’ of players individually and collectively? Are we as coaches currently meeting the ‘needs’ of all our players?

What action is required as a coaching staff to best live our values and philosophies - to ensure that every player is treated fairly?

The Meeting Challenges …

These types of conversations are challenging. They cause us as coaches to critically examine our current behaviors and attitudes for the appropriate application of our philosophies and values. How are we walking our talk?

There may be an initial defensiveness as we examine our current actions and environment. Stepping into this discomfort is where real learning lies for you, as coach, and for your players and teams. Critically and objectively examining what is currently happening determines the next steps in the path.

and Opportunities

Where we grow next as a coach and as a team is determined by the authenticity of the conversation. Being vulnerable creates the opportunity for growth.

Are our current behaviors and attitudes aligned with our philosophies and values? Whatever this answer is, the action step is often the same.

How do we, as coaches improve this alignment and live our philosophies and values more fully moving forward? The obstacles here are our path.

Back to Winnie

Perhaps Winnie’s perceptions are spot on or perhaps not. Only time and conversations will tell.

Following the coaches meeting at the donut shop, you, as coaches, decide to communicate both with Winnie, privately, and the team together.

For Winnie, acknowledging her concerns and creating a sense of belonging are critical. She is a key member of the Pack. Helping her understand her current role and paths forward will be key.

For our team - The Falcons, acknowledging and reaffirming the roles and responsibilities within the Pack; along with stressing the importance of Game Changers reaffirms our identity. We are The Falcons!

The strength of the wolf is the pack and the strength of the pack is the wolf.