The 3-Dimensional sports coach - Image source: Shutterstock, Inc Image Credit: © Rawpixel.com

OriginalSteps.com goes one on one an industry guru about the challenger career as a sports coach.

Sport - an industry that can make or break or career if not properly managed. From playmakers to gusty one-off performers, some of the world's greatest legends have been made on the sports field. Some individuals unfortunately, have seen the best times turn to the worst times in the industry and as cliched as it may sound, the sports field can turn a hero to a villain at the drop of a catch, sound of a whistle or the flash of a red card. And that’s just the about the players...

So what happens to a coach - the individual that shoulders the responsibility of the individual and collective actions of a sports team? After all, it is a job title that in a professional environment can see someone get cut quickly from a scene faster than a cast member on a Game of Thrones script.

There must be valid reason a (usually driven and motivating) individual choses such a pressurised position. Is it the money? (some team members do get paid more than a coach or captain); is it for the fame (not sure if being a famed villain for a loss is worth the risk); or is it for the job tenure? Either way the general rule of thumb is that they are first on the chopping block for bad performances  - backed by their supporting staff including the respective captains of a team.

OriginalSteps.com spoke to Alie Brand the CEO of the Stellenbosch Rugby Academy about the career prospects of a captain or coach in a professional sports team.

1. Why do individuals take up the role of a leader in a professional sports team?
In the case of rugby, the role of a coach or leader is to help players to be better players. They want to use sport to build the next generation of better leaders.

2. Does leadership come naturally in terms of being a coach, or can individuals learn the skills needed, if so what are recommended techniques?
I believe a mind shift with a holistic approach is needed to become a 3-Dimensional leader or coach:
1st Dimension - Body (fundamentals, physical)
2nd Dimension - Mind (academic, psychology)
3rd Dimension - Soul (heart, spiritual, values)

The 3-Dimensional sports coach - Image source: Bigstock® Image Credit: © bestdesign36

3. Being a professional coach is a tough role, why would an individual pursue such a career - what are the benefits?
True leaders/coaches want to take players somewhere they can’t go on their own. These coaches go against human nature and sports culture, because they believe there is a greater purpose to sport than winning games and trophies only.

4. In both roles how important is a higher education qualification? Does this support new dynamic thinking or should the individual eat, sleep and live sport to pursue such a career opportunity?
People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. 

Therefore, I think such an innovative strategy is needed:

Motivation - both extrinsic and intrinsic
Confidence - players must believe they have necessary skill to produce outcome.
Emotions - create a new culture where you get the balance correct between work and play.
Team cohesion - show players that everybody has a place in team.