One finger can't lift a pebble : a gameplan for team building in coaching and teaching

Abstract

This project is a qualitative inquiry into leadership through the eyes of a coach and school administrator. Utilizing a series of personal essays and narratives, the study examines how successful teams are developed, what the qualities are of effective school leaders and what the lessons are from sports and coaching that can be applied to school leadership. The essays draw on the writings of successful coaches and leaders in sports, education and business. The central themes that tie the essays together are team building and mindful practice. Some of the specific topics that are addressed include the importance of communication, facing adversity together, career stages, the importance of planning and preparation, and developing a game-plan or vision. Writing narratively and autobiographically, I intended to move to a mindfulness of practice through reflecting about significant events in my career and life.