Mom Football 103~ Outcomes

In my field of education and behavioral sciences, outcomes and indicators reign supreme.  Without sounding too sarcastic it seems that the difficulty lies in getting the indicators of the outcomes rather then the actual focusing on the outcomes.  

First one has to identify the indicators through committees and meetings.  Next the discussion becomes the measuring and assessment discussion.  (Many stakeholder meetings ensue.) Finally the measurements are piloted.  When the indicators are evaluated through the assessments and the results are collected...where do they go and what happens to them?  This final question is my biggie.  

SO WHAT?

 Football is easy.  The outcome is up on the board with a home score and a visitor score.  Side by side and simple indication in red of the outcome.    It is what it is.

The analysis and commentaries take over after the game.  You know...the refereeing, the coaches call, the other kids, the weather or the loud mom in the stands.  (o.k. I threw in the last one.)

As parents we huddle around our kids telling them how proud we are of them (which we are whether they win or lose) and the progress that we noted.  For me I'm watching my kids for effort, character and team play.  Those are what I comment on whether they are in the action or on the side.

But really what does that final score tell us?

• The engagement of the individual players, coaches and as a team as a whole.  Do they all feel critical to the team?
• The value placed on individual development and team play.
• The work that was put in by the individual players and coaches on the off season.
• The execution of the skills that were taught and coached.
• The teaching of the specific skills and the generalizing of these skills to the game.
• The value of the kids and coaches in the area of teamwork and leadership.
• The motivation and heart of the team.
• The strength of character.
• The support and engagement of the parents and the fans and the administration.

 The score just shows what must we tweaked, modeled and taught.  It has to be looked at AS A WHOLE and not just as one number.  

Questions I would ask?

•  In what ways can I improve the relationship with my guys? (or gals) Knowing that the relationships are the motivating and linking factor!
• Who needs some individual motivation and specific skill training?
• Does my team through actions show the value of a team mentality?
• What trends do I see around the team?  What is happening on my sidelines?  Are my coaches coaching EACH player?
• Have I communicated individual importance and team success?
• Do I comment individually and collectively on strengths?
• Do I have the parents on board?  How can I recruit parents to build the team and inspire their kids?

 Connecting and Linking

I believe each of us needs a coach in our lives.  Someone who focuses and comments on strengths and improvement and helps us plan our next steps.  As well as someone to light a fire under our butts at times!

Educational coaching, parental coaching, parents coaching their child, business coaching, spiritual coaching and football coaching...all the same!!  

We need to be focused on the outcome!  

Build a plan around the individual player and team.  

Execute. Feedback and Coach and Build. 

Execute. Feedback and Coach and Build.

Outcomes?

It's simple!  

We are either moving forward or sliding backward.