11 Sept - WOD

Upgrade - to improve or enhance the quality or value of

Have you ever noticed how professional sports organizations that under-achieve usually find their head coach enthralled in the ugly throes of harsh criticism? I've always thought it was ironic that the head coach should be held accountable for the successes or failures of his team. Think about it: a team's athletes are drafted not by the head coach but by the president of operations. The sport is played not by the head coach but by the athletes, right? Why then is the head coach held liable for the team’s productivity? I'll tell you why.

The role of the head coach is to take a given talent pool and customize a specific style of play that will provide his team with the best probability for success. Being a head coach requires the ability to recognize and (in most cases) enable players to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, a head coach also has to understand when it is appropriate to make some personnel changes. A head coach needs to ensure that a mutual respect and camaraderie exists between his players in order for his team to enjoy championship success. The head coach knows all too well that a few bad apples really can spoil the whole bunch.

Some of us have players (family members/friends) on our team who need to be traded. No offense; we love them dearly but they don't afford us the best opportunity to maximize our potential. That doesn't necessarily make them bad players per se; nor does it qualify us as unfit head coaches. Sometimes it just means that our team chemistry is all wrong. Perhaps it's time we explored the free agency market and made a blockbuster upgrade. It makes no sense to retain an under-achieving player(s) who could potentially be a star contributor on a different team. Today, I encourage you to stock your team (support system) with talent rich players who share your vision for success. Cohesion is the key. Upgrade your team to ensure that it remains in championship form. Be blessed.

Corey R.