Dealing with a coach who has a huge ego.

Confidence is one of the ultimate elements of the coaching personality. School principals are always looking for someone who feels comfortable in his ability to instruct and lead. But it can go just so far. Leadership has a beginning, a mid-point, and then a warning sign--starting with a mild ego and stretching into the problem phase.

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Why do so many coaches let their egos push them beyond the self-confidence stage? It can frequently begin with a mild winning streak that can stretch into a regional championship. Kids find it hard to learn that winning is not simply a matter of effort but a special kind of talent and perhaps even a little luck.

A lot of coaches get away with excuses, blaming others for mistakes and refusing to be held accountable for their places in the total program.

A coach with a huge, out of control ego can cause the AD a boatload of problems. Such as:

* Ignoring policies and procedures and feeling that these guidelines are intended for other coaches and not them.

* Going out of control when they don't like a decision that affects them. Warning: This could mean going to the principal or superintendent.

* Doing things that may not help the total program, but only your own image. The concept of being part of the total athletic program is foreign to you.

If you have a coach with an inflated ego, what can you do?

Suggestions:

1. Develop a philosophical base for your athletic department. For example, while striving to win is important, three other outcomes can be just as important at your school. We believe that our athletes should:

* Improve throughout the season.

* Have a good enjoyable experience by playing on one of our teams.

* Represent the school in a positive and exemplary fashion.

If we accomplish these three goals, the season can be considered a success. A championship is a nice additional accomplishment, but not the sole basis or definition of success.

2. Outline all of your expectations, including the parameter of success for your teams. This should be done for all coaches. A good time to do this is during your pre-season staff meeting. While these guidelines are part of many general items that will be included on the agenda, they set the basis for any remedial steps that may have to be taken in the event of a problem.

3. Council and guide any coach who may have an inflated ego. Consider it a pro-active step. Make every effort to meet with him or her in a one on one, non-confrontational setting. This professional approach does not, however, mean that you should acquiesce to the coach. It is extremely important for the coach to meet all department and school expectations, and you may have to reel him or her in occasionally.

4. Keep your principal informed of any incidents involving one of these self-absorbed coaches. After all, you will need his support and you certainly don't want him hearing the coach's side first and possibly being hoodwinked.

5. Offer praise and congratulations when warranted just as you would with any other coach. But also make it a point to acknowledge the accomplishments of other coaches on the staff, and don't wait until he begins winning. It is particularly important to recognize the coaches who are excelling in the three primary objectives of our athletic program.

6. Don't accept or allow coaches with huge egos to become abrasive or abusive with anyone in the school. This does not only involve you in your leadership position, but also other coaches, teachers, secretaries and administrators. From their self-erected pedestals, the coach cannot be allowed to look down upon others. Winning or championship coaches are not more important than anyone else in the school. In addition to school personnel, coaches also avoid being abrasive, uncooperative or rude with the media, coaches, or opposing administrators. Coaches need to understand, and perhaps be reminded occasionally, that they represent our school.

7. Document any problem that occurs and clearly inform the coach that this will not be tolerated again. It is important to emphasize that winning or championships cannot be used as a shield for rude, abrasive behavior or for neglecting policies and procedures.

8. Try to turn any problematic situation into an educational opportunity with the coach. For coaches who may not understand how others perceive them, this presents a great opportunity to help them grow and improve. You may have to use a subtle, non-confrontational approach, since an individual with a huge ego may not be overly receptive to suggestions and advice.

Dealing with a coach who has an enormous ego is not always a lot of fun, but one that can and must be handled. If left unchecked, a self-absorbed coach can wreak havoc, but it is just one of the many challenges in your position.

By Dr. David Hoch, CAA. Baltimore County, MD