Are you really making a lasting impact? Here’s how to find out:
“A quality control test for coaches:
How many athletes stay connected with you when their time with you is finished?
Are they reaching back to you years later?
Or are they thankful to now be able to distance themselves?
This simple test will reveal quality like no other.”
-Ray Zingler on X
Your education.
Your credentials.
Your experience.
Your win/loss record.
How many conferences you’ve presented at.
How other adults feel about you..
NONE and I mean none of it matters in the grand scheme of things if those who are under your direction don’t benefit from and love you for “what you have” <the ability to give.>
There are a lot of coaches who are in positions because they have a resume and letters after their name.
They are in positions because they’ve been “doing it a long time.”
Or they win a whole bunch of games not because they are very good, but because they have access to good players.
Guess what?
The kids and their families don’t care how many conferences you’ve presented at or if other adults think your efforts are sufficient enough to maintain your position.
They care about how you make them feel and what “what you have” can do for their long-term development as people.
And not only as people right now, but their future selves.
The best way to truly self-assess your quality as a coach requires self-awareness.
Many like to pump themselves up and falsely believe they are better than they are because of the “things” I’ve outlined above, but those “things” don’t even scratch the surface when it comes to the “impact” litmus test.
How many of your former athletes are reaching back out regularly for life advice?
Hell, how many are simply checking back in to say hello?
Are they coming back to see you at games?
Are they coming to visit the gym when they’re back home?
Or is it that the second they are finished with your “guidance” they distance themselves for good?
You can win a whole lot of games.
You can improve a whole lot of 40 times.
You can have a whole lot of letters after your name..
But if they’re not in at least some capacity staying connected with you “when it’s all said and done” in an era where communication has never been easier and more convenient..
There’s a good a chance you missed the whole point of this coaching gig.
I will forever prioritize remaining a point of impact when their time with me is finished.
If you’re a coach, I think you should, too.
