iMPACT

This word says it all. iMPACT. As coaches, we're always looking for more iMPACT players. Athletes who can flat out play and compete, but also who have those intangibles. High iMPACT players truly come around about once every 5 to 7 years. They make us better coaches because of the way they handle themselves, lead, and excel in certain areas of life. Not always, but usually high iMPACT players are possessed with tons of God-given talent as well as tremendous CHARACTER. When it comes to true iMPACT, I mean the type of iMPACT that changes multiple lives, ask yourself this question. As a coach, do you have a greater iMPACT on your athletes, or does one of your athletes have a greater iMPACT on you ? It's time as coaches to iMPACT everyone around us. God has placed us in positions of leadership to iMPACT the Coaching Culture. Are you maximizing and leveraging your iMPACT ?

Unselfishness

Something remarkable happened in the Diamondbacks 9-0 blowout victory over the Padres. Something worth noting. Something counter-cultural. Something every coach wants out of their players. Arizona first baseman Conor Jackson played baseball unselfishly, truly putting personal glory, and a HUGE individual accomplishment aside in favor of doing what's best for the TEAM. "CoJack" was 3-for-3 in his first three at-bats and merely needed a double to hit for the coveted cycle.  In the 6th inning with the D-backs up 7-rock, Jackson smoked a ball to deep centerfield. A stand-up double for sure. Cycle complete. Nope. Unselfishness kicked in as Conor cruised into third base with his second triple of the night. He would have one more at-bat in hopes of hitting for the cycle, but he rolled into a double play. A 4-for-5 evening for CoJack, and most important, an athlete who put his TEAM above himself. What a concept. How's your teams unselfishness ? Do you wish you had more Conor Jackson's on your club ?

Passion

Quickly. Word association here. PASSION. What immediately jumps into your mind ? Michael Jordan's desire to become a complete player, Mel Gibson's portrayal of Jesus on the Cross (played by former University of Washington Pac-10 hooper Jim Caviezel by the way), or Tiger Woods' quote after his runner-up finish at Augusta. "I didn't come here to finish second," said the best golfer in the history of Earth (sorry Jack, but your days are numbered). 

As a coach or a player, don't you just love that mindset ? Win or go home. PASSION. What are you most passionate about ? What if your players' saw your passion for the game rivaled with your passion for their future ? PASSION. Bigger than Wins and Losses, what are YOU "passionately pursuing ?"

Influence

Influence is a commonly used word in our culture. Coaches try to influence the outcome of a game based on their practice plan, or their scheme and strategy they devise in preparing a gameplan. Often times, coaches hope to influence a referee, umpire, or an official to make a certain call.

Influence is all around us. Good and bad. As a coach at any level, how is your influence spreading to your players, your coaching staff, and your parents ? How do you measure influence ? Which coach had the greatest influence on you, and why ?