🧠 Leadership & The Mental Edge: A Thought on Connecting with Parents
- Tyler Lennon
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
I’ve been spending time with coaches lately, going through John Maxwell’s Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. One chapter in particular stood out to me — Chapter 4: Connecting Always Requires Energy.
That line alone got me thinking… because if there's one thing coaches are running low on these days, it’s energy.
Especially when it comes to dealing with parents.
📣 Coaches Keep Saying the Same Thing…
It comes up in nearly every conversation:
"We’re just trying to coach the kids… but some parents are making it almost impossible."
They’re overinvolved. They don’t trust the coaches. They question everything. And honestly? Many coaches aren’t even sure how to respond anymore. They feel like they’re walking on eggshells — and it’s draining.
💡 Just a Thought…
One idea that’s been on my mind: What if coaches had a better understanding of parents before the season even starts?
Not just the players — the parents, too.
What if there were a short questionnaire for both parents and players that coaches collected before day one?
I’m not talking about anything fancy. Just something that asks:
What are your goals this season?
What do you hope your child gets out of this experience?
How would you like to be communicated with?
What are your expectations of your child, the team, and the coach?
Simple stuff. But real.
If coaches had that kind of insight — the emotional temperature of the family — maybe it would give them a better chance to connect before conflict ever happens.
And on the flip side, coaches could also give out their short message:
What they’re about
What they expect from players and parents
What kind of support do they need to do their job well
It’s not about control — it’s about connection. It’s just going the extra mile to be clear, upfront, and honest.
🧠 This Is the Mental Edge, Too
It’s just a thought. A reflection on what I keep seeing.
Coaches are leaders. But leadership takes energy — especially emotional energy.If we can be more intentional about communication, maybe we can preserve some of that energy and actually strengthen relationships instead of constantly putting out fires.
I know a lot of coaches out there feel like they’re on an island. Just know — you’re not alone in this.
And if there’s any way we can help you with leadership development, team culture, or the mental side of sport, that’s what we’re here for.
— Tyler Lennon
תגובות