John Morrison – Test yourself for leadership qualities

In his column in this week’s Gaelic Life John Morrison provides a long list of best practices for those coaches working with children.

Part of it was a test for coaches to gauge their level of leadership qualities.

Here it is:

“Ask yourself the following questions and then rate yourself on these key qualities that children want/like in their coaching.

“Score 1 for never. 5 for always. 2 for rarely. 3 for sometimes. 4 for lots of times.

(a) I’m friendly and have a sense of humour

(b) I’m patient, happy, and understanding

(c) I’m firm but fair

(d) I provide encouragement when it is due

(e) I help develop their skills

(f) I show good levels of organisation in training sessions, game arrangement and travel

(g) I’m punctual and I start and finish on time

(h) I dress appropriately

(i) I know how to explain facts and ideas, I know how to listen, and I always have time for players.

(j) I hold my composure with whom I meet

(k) I show true interest in my players.

Count up your score, maximum is 55.

The column has a lot more advice for those coaches who work with kids, including strategies to help coaches to become more accepted among their players.