I just had an awesome 7-Minute Clinic interview with Kevin Grimes, coach of the Cal Men’s Soccer team.   The first words out of Kevin’s mouth were, “Every team leaves a clue”.  I’d never heard this line before.  I was instantly intrigued.

I caught Kevin coming off a very UP and then a very DOWN season.  He and his staff are right in the middle of completing their post-season evaluation.  This is not some chit chat over a beer.  The coaching staff conducts a top to bottom review of the previous season – what worked, what didn’t and what was missing.

Kevin’s theory is that every team leaves a clue behind during the season and a thoughtful post-season assessment can uncover such clues.

Coach Grimes’ enthusiasm for the meticulous hunt of the tiniest clue is remarkable given the recent roller coaster season.  The Bears started out on fire – taking Maryland, the defending national champs down to the wire and winning seven out of their first nine matches.  Kevin was pumped.  He had his best team ever off to their best start ever.

Then the injury bug hit.  The Bears lost player after player to injury.  They won only two of their last nine games.

At a time when many coaches would be feeling sorry for themselves, Coach Grimes is sifting through the ashes.  He’s in search of that one gem that will make his program stronger and more resilient next season.

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When someone walks into your office (or gym, locker room, etc.) what is his or her first impression of you and you’re program? What’s the impact on prospective athletes, parents, professors or teachers? Does your “space” accurately reflect what you stand for as a coach?

 

Successful coaches take responsibility for their immediate surroundings and its influence on others. They intentionally structure their coaching environment in ways to reinforce what they stand for. They customize and care for the places that support them: office, gym, locker room, car and home.

 

I recently interviewed Eric Reveno, men’s basketball coach at the University of Portland. In just his third season with the Pilots, Reveno has helped revive the program. During our conversation in his office, Coach Reveno discussed some of the changes he made after arriving on campus. One of the first changes occurred in his office. Out went the couch, coffee table and the mini refrigerator. In came the round conference table and chairs. Coach Reveno wanted a space for his players to work on their studies and receive help if they needed it. His office is not a place to hang out on the couch and snack!

 

What does your space say about you? Look around your office, your gym, your field and your locker room. Imagine you are seeing them for the first time. If you’ve been there a long time and can’t objectively see it anymore, ask a trusted friend for feedback. If your office isn’t saying what you want it to say, note what’s missing and brainstorm ways to bring it into alignment.

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