Over the past year, I’ve been back on the field coaching my son’s baseball team—and what started as a way to give back has turned into one of the most valuable leadership refreshers I’ve had in years.
Let me be clear: we’re not great. We’re just a group of 10- and 11-year-olds figuring out the game. But what’s struck me is how much this experience mirrors the very things we teach in leadership development.
And I’m not alone—Alain, who’s coached everything from high school football to hockey, says the same thing. There are powerful, direct parallels between what we do with young athletes and what works in professional leadership.
What’s Working with These Kids… Works with Adults Too
Here’s what coaching these kids reminded me:
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Learn their names, their interests, their quirks. Every kid wants to be seen—and so does every team member in your organization.
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Make it fun. The kids light up when they step on the field because they know they’re in a place where they can enjoy the process. That same energy can—and should—exist in our workplaces.
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Show you care. A little interest goes a long way. A quick “How was your weekend?” or “I noticed you handled that well” builds trust faster than you think.
These aren’t just “nice to haves.” They’re the foundation of healthy teams.
The Navy SEALs Know This Too
We heard an ex-Navy SEAL break down what makes elite teams thrive. His answer was refreshingly simple:
We trust each other.
We care about each other.
We respect each other.
We allow each other to influence us.
The word that stood out most: reciprocal. It’s not just about the leader guiding the team. It’s about the team guiding the leader too.
That last point—being open to being influenced—is a game-changer. Too many leaders stay in “command mode,” but true leadership requires vulnerability. It means letting others shape your thinking. That’s where real trust and collaboration are built.
Business Culture Needs More of This
Why should our workplaces feel any different from the baseball field?
People come to work every day wanting to be part of something meaningful. If we as leaders don’t make the environment safe, fun, and respectful, we’re missing the chance to unlock their best.
The best coaches—and leaders—don’t just care about performance. They care about people. That care, when it’s real, creates psychological safety. And that’s what allows teams to perform, grow, and stick together.
A Challenge for Leaders
Ask yourself:
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Do you know your team like you know your players?
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Are you making work feel like the best part of their day—or just something to get through?
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Are you open to being influenced?
Leadership isn’t just strategy—it’s connection.