Lessons From the Field 1.0
American Scholar Joseph Campbell wrote: “Follow your bliss and the universe will open it’s doors for you.” I acted on his advise this past August and embarked on a ‘working sabbatical’ by coaching the Varsity Field Hockey team at Pembroke High School. I spent most afternoons this Fall with 30 teenage girls, their giggles and the sweet smell of grass. The experience was rewarding beyond measure and provided an invaluable learning laboratory for the individual and team coaching I do within organizations.
While I had concerns about putting ‘my real job’ on hold, I had no idea how much I would enjoy those weeks between August 21, the first day of preseason practice and October 30, the day we were eliminated from State Tournament in sudden death overtime. Having been away from the sport for longer than I’d like to admit, I knew I was in for a challenge. But I didn’t have a clue how poignant or rewarding the journey would be. As soon as I stepped onto the field I remembered how much this game had meant to me as a teenager. I was immediately drawn in by the girls’ earnest determination and found myself anchored in and inspired by the belief that, in them, hope, promise and possibility were muscles hungry to be exercised.
At times the task felt daunting! The game and rules have changed considerably since I played. I was the team’s third coach in as many years and female adolescence has all the markings of a treacherous roller coaster ride. Yet coaching these girls to be the best they could be, both as individuals and as a team, allowed me to stretch myself and each player on and off the field. Every encounter was ripe with opportunity to, in the moment - engage, inspire and motivate. They willingly accepted my challenges, were hungry for and soaked up acknowledgements and even appreciated my corny lessons about discipline, fitness, leadership and . . . well, love.
What’s love got to do with it, you might ask? Being a middle aged sap has it’s benefits, including the wisdom to know that when all is said and done, we probably will not remember the score of the last game or our league win-loss record. What we will remember 30 years down the road is the love: the love we have for the game, the love we have for being in shape, and the love we have for each other and what we can accomplish together. I was invigorated by their spirit and humbled by the challenges they faced. Being outside until sunset, during one of the most beautiful seasons New England has to offer, refreshed my body and renewed my mind and soul. Watching these girls solidify as a team on and off the field to finish their best season ever was a gift I’ll cherish for a long time to come.
I was also surprised by and appreciated the unexpected opportunity this experience provided for sharpening my one-on-one and team coaching skills. While coaching a field hockey team may seem like a far cry from the work I do with leaders and their teams in organizations, it’s NOT! I found that the same principles and processes I utilize with business and non-profit groups applied equally as well on the playing field. The role of any team, wether they be project oriented or ongoing, profit or non-profit, large or small, athletic or corporate, is to form and perform. Rallying around a common purpose, setting realistic and measurable goals, ensuring everyone has an important and vital role, interacting constructively and remembering to add a healthy does of positivity are just some of the factors that contribute to any team’s success. The field hockey season deepened my understanding of what it takes to be a great team and left me curious and enthused about what’s possible for my other clients. I will certainly champion those who have an urge to follow their bliss! After all, what matters more than the number of years we live, is the life we experience in each year. The journey is the destination.
To get an insiders view of the Pembroke High School Lady Titans Field Hockey team visit our Facebook page and scroll down to the pictures section. I think you’ll see the love shine through!