John Fulton

Who is the 'Silent Team MVP'? The Spouse of a Coach. And every coach knows it. Here are 6 reasons why. 1. THE GLUE The spouse of a coach is often the glue that keeps everything together and aligned. There are so many things going on in a season, and things seem to occur at 100 MPH. But the spouse of a coach is the glue that binds everything together (family, team, work, kids, and more)! 2. THE CRITICS Leaders and coaches are in the Arena and the Spotlight, and the critics often follow. Everyone is an expert in sports, and coaching can be a very tough gig. You must have thick skin. And so must your spouse. They hear it, too. It's not easy and not fun. 3. SUPPORT Seasons are long, and one thing for certain is that challenges will occur. Maybe it’s a team issue, a parent complaint, or a lack of administrative support. But the coach's spouse is always there to support, listen, and provide a positive outlook to keep going. 4. TIME COMMITMENT Coaching is often an ALL-IN job, mentally and physically. It occurs after hours, is in addition to a regular FT job, and eats away at family time. Few understand this. It’s often like having a second FT job for the season. A supportive spouse is a must. 5. FAMILY STRESSORS The time commitment and mental energy needed can eat away at family time. Coaches must be aware of this and find ways to balance and prioritize. But it is hard. A supportive spouse helps make this happen. 6. SACRIFICE Coaches and families sacrifice a lot. But there are so many positives associated with coaching, too. Raising kids in a coaching family can be incredibly rewarding! Having your young kids come to practice and share the experience is immeasurable! ----- Follow me for more actionable ideas on coaching, leadership, and personal growth. Join 11,000+ others and subscribe to my FREE newsletter, 🏆 Great Teams Better Leaders 123. The link is in my profile above.