Words of advice from Tom Craig,
(Trainer of the Toronto Blue Jays. Discussing Cito Gaston,
Manager of the two time World Series winners the Toronto Blue Jays, and other coaches he has worked for.)
What's a successful coach and why?
"Has to communicate [COMMUNICATION] ... talk on a daily basis ... at least have an open door policy ... gets the most out of his players [MOTIVATION] ... the players play for him [CREDIBILITY] ... knows when to give them days off, to stroke them, when not to [FLEXIBILITY]... has just enough presence not to get overrun yet he maintains a certain amount of pressure on them all the time [RESPECT]."
What are the responsibilities of a coach?
"Teaches or instructs ... directs and instills every day living ... the good things about life."
Why does he meet with players individually and as a group?"Individually for private reasons ... to discuss a negative issue ... for disciplinary reasons ... as a group, to encourage someone or discuss an issue, or maybe to single out a particular player for positive reasons and recognition ... make a positive statement about a guy who did something well."
What resources/assets do you need to be a successful coach? Why?"Utilises the staff, delegates different jobs ... gets information from the staff ... utilises everything ... gets different opinions and views, compiles them all, and derives a conclusion."
How does he increase, maintain, reward a player's performance?"With a positive statement and a handshake every time, no matter how small...give him a pat on the back to make a positive statement ... not afraid to put a player who has failed back into the line-up ... encourages the player ... gets the player to continue to practice and to work ... sticks by his promise ... always backs up what he says."
When would he adopt a democratic management style?"Listens for the players' needs and keeps an open line of communication ... military and strict rules do not work in today's society with today's players ... he let's the players play ... takes in information ... treats players like he wanted to be treated when he was playing."
