Common sense athletic management.

Recently, a friend and AD at a neighboring school asked me how I would handle a certain problem, and after hearing what I had to say about it, said, "But, isn't that just common sense?" I responded, "Sure it is. So what's wrong with that?"

Common sense, after all, provides a good basis for athletic management. Unfortunately, it seems to be in short supply these days. I do believe it has served me well for a long time, and I would like to list some good, basic common sense ideas that may be of help in the management of your programs.

1. Talk less and listen more. It will make the other person feel better and more appreciated, and that can give you a tremendous advantage.

2. Don't be quick to judge. After listening, gather facts and analyize them. First impressions can be wrong and other solutions may present themselves when you ponder the situation.

3. Admit when you've made a mistake. Instead of blaming others or the circumstances involved, take responsibility for a mistake. You will be viewed as a standup person and your credibility will actually be enhanced.

4. Give credit to others. Everyone likes to be appreciated for their contributions and it can become a great form of motivation to be recognized.

5. Look for the positive aspects in people. Problems, criticism and negative things will always fall into your lap. You can win friends and influence those around you by taking an affirmative approach to subjects and people.

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6. Be aware of how you come across. Embellishing your accomplishments and having to be right all of the time can alienate many people. The unassuming approach is much more likely to serve you better.

7. You can become more efficient by using technology and delegating tasks to others. "Working smarter" includes developing better organizational approaches and time management.

8. Be open to new ideas. Yes, there are established procedures and protocols, but it is also wise to be receptive to different approaches. They may actually be better than the existing ones.

9. Be enthusiastic. Don't sound--especially on the phone--that you are going through the worse day of your life? Remember, almost everything in the sports program starts with you. You are the leader. And success almost always begins with enthusiasm.

10. Don't ask others to do anything that you wouldn't do. For example, if there are paper cups and Gatorade bottles around team benches after the game, you can make a good impression by picking them up. When athletes and coaches see you chipping in, it isn't hard to ask them to help. In short, try to set a good example.

11. Use common courtesy. Return phone and E-mail messages and always say "Thank you" and "Please." It may seem obvious, but it's a good way to get people to respect and like you.

12. Criticize in private and praise in public. No one likes to look foolish or be berated in front of others and have their status threatened. If you have to send a message to the malefactor, take him or her aside. Don't exacerbate a situation or lose a friend by criticizing him or her in public.

13. Think before you speak. Making off the cuff comments can often cause real problems. When caught off-guard, you can always use, "Let me check into that and I'll get back to you." It will buy you some time and prevent you from making a mistake.

14. Stick to your word. Promising more than you can deliver or not following through will surely cause doubt by those involved in your program. Trust is one of the most important elements in a working relationship and your word should become your bond.

15. Treat others, as you would like to be treated. Sure, this is about as trite as you can get, but let's face it: You will get more productivity, cooperation and effort from people by treating them with dignity, fairness and respect.

16. Stay true to your values and do what is right. While some decisions are difficult, and perhaps unpopular, being able to look at yourself in the mirror the following day should be all that matters in the long run. Your program, athletes and reputation depend upon you always taking the right road.

Best of all, it will definitely improve your management skills. A little common sense can go a long way!

DR. DAVID HOCH

Director of Athletics

Loch Raven High School 

Baltimore County, MD

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