If you were invisible where would you go?

 If I was invisible I would want to be in the dressing room of an NHL hockey team or on the ice during practice to hear the conversations had with professional athletes. I refer to a hockey team as I have had the privilege of witnessing what head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers has brought forward in the 2023-2024 season. But really I would do this same exercise with any professional team sport.

What is gained from a coach before, during, and after a game holds so much value in the athletes minds. One person is able to sway the tempo of the game for the good or bad with words. Words hold so much merit, weight, or encouragement to bring a group together for a common goal.

The same holds true in working world. If you are leading a group of professionals to a workplace target you need buy-in to get the entirety to the finish line. A group of individuals not knowing where they are going are lost, showing up for work and going about their tasks not knowing the end result. But a group of individuals showing up to the team meeting sharply at 8am listening to the days objective and re-grouping near the end of the day to see the results will maximize their time punching the clock.

As a leader, the way you show up matters. Leaders are not allowed to show up at work wth their bags filled of home-life garbage. I get that you are an individual trying to make a buck but that is not what you get when you are leader. Everyone who looks up to you comes first. Your demeanour, attitude and behaviour is sensed by your colleagues the minute you walk through the door. 

The same holds true for coaching athletes. You need to show up prepared, ready to teach, and show them the way and the why. If you can master this you are well on your way to leading people. Be prepared to Lead the way as individuals are always looking to follow someone!