Creating my Coaching Philosophy

In our Coaching Effectiveness class our task is to create a 5 minute video on our Coaching Philosophy. We are supposed to talk about our Mission, Vision and Values. In order to do this I made a list of the 10 most important values that I personally feel are important to me.

  1. Family
  2. Friends
  3. Health
  4. Happiness
  5. Honesty
  6. Equity
  7. Fairness
  8. Sustainability
  9. Longevity
  10. Passion

Although the order of importance might change depending on what stage my life is at but I think that these points capture what I personally value in my selfs and others. Recognizing that Family, Friends and Health are my top 3 values always guides me in developing my own career and life goals.

When I first started coaching most of my values were much attached to winning and creating the best performing program possible. Over the last 10 years that has shifted significantly since I realized how much more important all the other factors are to the development of a person. Personal growth will be at the core of my coaching philosophy. It will be my mission to help athletes to personally grow as an person and become not just better at athletics but life in general.

Wade Gilbert explains in his book “Coaching Better Every Season” when creating your coaching philosophy you have to understand who you are as a coach and person. Secondly you have to know your athletes and last but not least you need to understand your Sport. These 3 pillars are important will guide me in the creation of my Philosophy. I have created a 1 page philosophy outline when I attended the Advanced Coaching Diploma and some of my values are reflected in the outline but some are not. However when it comes to the implementation of the Philosophy I think I still have much room to grow. I will expand and elaborate on my current Coaching Philosophy that will then reflect a more holistic approach. I’m looking forward to formalize and organize my thoughts and then clearly communicate to my athletes and assistant coaches.