Above the Line

Above the Line

Why did I pick this book?

Many sportspeople have written books and provided insights on success, leadership, and team building. One such man is Urban Meyer. Having established himself as a doyen of his sport, successfully leading his players and team to three national championships, Meyer is a unique personality in the field of sports. He knows what it takes to win and the resilience needed when you lose in competitions. I chose this book because Urban Meyer not only offers his readers unparalleled insights into leadership but also team building and the ingredients to empowering individuals the things they might perceive as impossible to achieve. Additionally, the author shares his innovative game plan and preparations that he implemented at Ohio State Buckeyes. He created a culture of success that was founded on trust and attachment to a common goal. This book is more than a sports memoir. It shed lights on the core principles of success that can guide virtually any person.

What three lessons did I learn about coaching from this book?

There are great lessons about coaching that readers can learn from this book. Firstly, the performance of a team is dependent on the behavior of players and staff. Urban Meyer says that the winning behavior is intentional, on purpose and skillful. It is always above the line. However, the ability to be impulsive, resistant, and on autopilot are below the line. As such, they are dangerous to success because they breed comfort and create convenience.

Secondly, discipline is the key to success. Meyer notes that there are Six R Factors that discipline teaches players. The press pause factor gives the players the time to think by getting them off autopilot. Discipline also helps in getting the mind right. Additionally, it enables players to adjust and adapt, make a difference, build a skill, and step up in any given situation.

Thirdly, successful teams have a culture. The presence of a culture is what leads when nobody is watching. It’s the coach who creates a culture in a team, culture influences behavior, and it’s the behavior which produces results. Additionally, the performance of players in any unit mirrors the culture created.

An example of a lesson learned and how to apply any situation in life

One lesson learned from this book is the aspect of discipline. Being disciplined can prove to be the difference between two people pursuing similar goals. Urban Meyer gives an array of advantages that discipline bring to any person. For example, one can build a skill through discipline. For example, I want to develop a skill in coding. To be great at my coding, it would take a lot of discipline and commitment in my focus. Meyer notes that elite performers build skill above their talents, for talent is a gift, however, greatness is a choice.

An example of a lesson learned and how to apply it to a coaching situation

One aspect I have learned that is practical to coaching is building a culture. At one time, I coached a high school soccer team that had inconsistent results.  When I reflect, I realize that we never created a culture where players would train without supervision. My players lacked commitment and dedication whenever I was absent in training sessions. This contributed to inconsistent performance.

Reference

Meyer, U., & Coffey, W. R. (2017). Above the line: Lessons in leadership and life from a championship program. Penguin Books, NY.