COACHING:
A PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACH
by WILLIAM F. STIER, JR.
2nd edition, August 2009, © 2010,
440 pages, $43.95
ISBN 978-0-89641-475-4
Introduction
Coaching:
A Problem Solving Approach 2nd edition was written specifically
for use in undergraduate courses dealing with the preparation
of athletic coaches. It is appropriate for coaches of all sports,
at all levels of amateur competition. The book can also be most
helpful when used in conjunction with the text, Coaching:
Becoming a Successful Athletic Coach (3rd edition), also
written by the author. In addition, this book is also very useful
in Theory of Coaching courses.”
This
is a book about problems, specifically, how to recognize problems,
how to avoid them, and how to resolve them, all within a sport
setting. It is also about how to survive problematic and stressful
situations. Most of the problem solving strategies, tactics and
techniques suggested in this book are applicable for all levels
of amateur sport competition, i.e., youth sports, junior and senior
high school levels, and the collegiate or university scene. It
is up to the reader to apply and adapt the general concepts and
principles that are presented throughout this book to one's own
individual situation and circumstances.
Sources of Problems for Coaches
Today,
challenges and problems in sports unfortunately seemingly occur
in almost every program, and almost on a daily basis. These challenges
and problems can involve any number of different individuals,
constituencies and groups including, but not limited to, coaches,
athletic and central school administrators, athletes, parents,
staff, boosters, fans, news media, and members of the community.
Successfully handling of such difficulties demands not only a
significant amount of time and effort on behalf of coaches but
necessitates patience as well as appropriate and timely decision
making.
The
examples of problems and challenges presented within this book
are taken from all aspects of individual and team competitive
sports, both on and off the so-called practice and/or playing
fields. Some problems are associated with actions (or inactions)
by individuals. Some arise because of contrasting philosophies
and priorities of individuals and/or groups. Other problems are
team related. And still others emanate from the policies, procedures,
practices, priorities and philosophy(ies) of the overall sport
organization or the sponsoring entity,
Unique
Features
The
uniqueness of this book revolves around five separate but nevertheless
related features or components. The first feature is the inclusion
of general information relating to the process of problem solving
per se as well as the tasks associated with long range and strategic
planning for the prevention and resolution of problems and challenges.
Second, EIGHTY fundamental concepts or general principles are
presented which speak specifically to the tasks and responsibilities
generally associated with problem solving. These fundamental concepts
or principles are presented in chapters one and two as Problem
Solving Concepts (PSCs).
The
third feature which helps make this book unique is the inclusion
in chapter three of SEVENTY–THREE specific tactics and hints
relating to the problem solving process. These are specific survival
strategies that are associated with sound coaching decisions,
actions and practices. These Survival Tactics/Hints include practical
recommendations, suggestions and schemes based upon sound problem
solving principles and concepts as well as the author’s
extensive experience as a coach on the junior high, high school
and college/university levels. These survival tactics and hints
can also frequently provide appropriate and timely guidance, counsel,
cautions, and admonishments for the practitioner in terms of decision
making and specific actions that should or should not be taken.
All of these three unique features are presented within Section
I.
The
fourth distinctive feature of this book is the inclusion of ninety-six
case studies (chapters five through ten). Each case study is based
upon one or more specific problems or challenges prevalent in
today's amateur sport world. The fifth and final special feature
is the inclusion of questions and discussion questions at the
end of each case. These series of questions, many of which are
unique for each case study, are presented in an effort to assist
readers in assessing the specifics of each case and evaluating
various courses of action (different scenarios) in light of the
circumstances and situations presented. Answering these questions
can also aid the reader in planning and creating an individual
Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for each of the case studies.
CONTENTS
SECTION
I—INTRODUCTION TO THE PRINCIPLES,
PROCESSES AND STATEGIES OF PROBLEM SOLVING
- CHAPTER ONE
Concepts
and Principles of Problem Solving
Dealing with Problems and Challenges
An Overview of Problems and Problem Solving
The Art and Science of Problem Solving
Becoming a Competent Problem Solver
Problems and Challenges Abound
Patience and Problem Solving
Effectiveness and Efficiency in Problem Solving
Communication Skills—An Essential Element of Effective
Problem Solving
Consequences or Fallout of Problem Solving
Dealing with Problems via the Crisis Mode
Risks and Problem Solving Associated with Coaching
Risk of Failure
Operating Within a Fishbowl—Being (Too) Visible
The Risk of Harming Others
Power and Responsibility of Coaches
Reactions to Problems and Assumption of Risks
If It Was Easy—Anyone Could Do It
Preventing Versus Resolving Problems
A Question of Preventing Problems
Responsibilities of Coaches in the Problem Solving Process
Problems Will Occur—In Spite of the Best Laid Plans
A Matter of Effort
Decision Making—An Essential Element of Problem Solving
Developing Standard Operating Procedures And Policies (SOPPs)
Additional Benefits of the 5P Handbook
Making Exceptions to Standard Operating Procedures and Policies
Problem Solving—A Matter of Timeliness
Time Management Is Essential For Efficient Problem Solving
An Example of Inappropriate Timing In Solving Problems
Exercises for Chapter 1
References
- CHAPTER
TWO
The Process and Tasks of Problem Solving
Solving Problems—A Look at the Process
(1) Recognizing the Existence of a Problem
Practicing Effective Damage Control
(2) Gathering of Data and Information
(3) Developing the Strategic Action Plan (SAP)
To Do Something or Nothing
Components of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP)
The Political Realities Of Problem Solving
The Matter of Extenuating Circumstances
(4) Implementing the PLAN
(5) Assessing After the Fact—The Value of Hindsight
The Process versus End Results
The Need to Educate Others in Terms of the Reality of the Situation(s)
Dealing with People—The Key To Success As a Problem Solver
Problem Solving and Blame
Legal Implications
The Impact of Due Process Confidentiality and the Problem-Solving
Process
Penetrating the Shield of Confidentiality
Instances Involving Confidentiality—A Matter of Embarrassment
Promising Confidentiality
Athletic Participation—Right or Privilege?
The Need for Humanistic Problem Solvers
Remaining Unbiased, Objective As a Problem Solver
Ethical Considerations in Problem Solving and Decision Making
Exercises for Chapter 2
References
- CHAPTER
THREE
Problem Solving Tactics and Survival Strategies
Meeting the Challenges of Problem Solving
Timing of One's Decisions and Actions
Crisis Management versus Planned and Anticipatory Management
Proaction versus Reaction
Looking to the Future
Practice Effective Damage Control—Acting Appropriately
and Decisively
Being Politically Astute as A Coach And Athletic Problem Solver
Personal Involvement within the Problem-Solving Process
Accepting Information or Data from Others
Strategies for Developing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Positive Relationships with Athletes
Positive Relationships with Staff
Positive Relationships with Advisers
Positive Relationships with Family Members
Positive Relationships with One’s Superior(s)
Positive Relationships with Others
Dealing with Adversity—And Surviving
The Fallacy of Attempting to Blame Others
The Case of The Four Envelopes
Product Knowledge is Essential
Being Able to Handle Criticism
Making Wise Decisions
Concluding Comments
Exercises for Chapter 3
References
SECTION II—PROBLEM SOLVING THROUGH THE CASE STUDY METHOD AND
STRATEGIES OF PROBLEM SOLVING