Hey Reader!
I was at a large tournament last weekend, walking between courts, when I was eavesdropping on a conversation between a group of coaches and club directors. They were gathered around a table, discussing the strategy for the upcoming season. The tension in the room was palpable, with everyone offering different opinions on how to approach the team’s development. Some coaches wanted to double down on individual skills, while others argued for a more team-oriented approach. The directors were weighing in with their thoughts, and everyone seemed to have a different take.
Eventually, one of the directors turned to me and asked, “Dan, what do you think? How do we move forward with all these differing opinions?”
I paused momentarily and then said, “You don’t need everyone to agree. What you need is the trust that the direction we’ve chosen is the right one. From there, commitment will follow.”
That simple thought seemed to land. It wasn’t about achieving consensus or getting everyone to sign off on the plan. What mattered was that the team trusted the decision and committed to it, even if they weren’t all on the same page.
And it got me thinking…
Reflecting on that conversation, I realized how often we, as coaches, get caught up in the idea that commitment can only come when everyone agrees. In reality, that’s not the case. Commitment doesn’t require unanimous consensus; it requires trust. When players trust their coaches, when coaches trust their directors, and when everyone involved believes the direction is right, commitment follows naturally.
But how often do we get stuck in the trap of trying to please everyone? We try to align every person’s perspective to avoid conflict, but in doing so, we sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture. The truth is, if you wait for full agreement before moving forward, you might never make any real progress.
Think about it. In every team, on every field, in every game, there are moments when everyone doesn’t see eye to eye. But that doesn’t mean the game has to stop. Whether it’s in practice or on the court, the goal is to move forward with purpose, even if not everyone is in complete agreement. The key to commitment is alignment, not of opinions, but of trust in the vision. When the direction is clear and people trust that it’s the right one, they’re more likely to commit, even if they don’t fully agree with every detail.
For example, as coaches, we might have a strategy that we believe is best for the team, but not every player or assistant coach might agree with every element of it. Some might want more of a focus on defense, others might want more time on offense. If we insist on waiting for full agreement before implementing the strategy, we could end up spending more time debating than actually playing. And in that time, we risk missing the opportunity to make real progress.
Instead, if we foster trust, trust in the plan, trust in the process, commitment will follow. That’s the magic of commitment: it’s not about everyone agreeing, but everyone trusting the direction enough to give it their full effort. We, as coaches, need to remind ourselves of this. We need to be clear in our vision, communicate it confidently, and create an environment where the team trusts that we’re heading in the right direction.
For athletes, this concept is just as relevant. Your commitment to the game doesn’t mean you have to agree with every drill, every tactic, or even every coach's decision. But when you trust the process, when you believe in the direction your team is heading, commitment becomes easier. It’s the same when we set goals; athletes may not always be on board with the path to reach them, but if they trust the coach, the process, and themselves, they’re more likely to commit fully to the effort.
Think about the next time you face a challenge, whether on the court or in life. There will always be moments when things aren’t clear or when opinions differ. It’s easy to fall into the trap of needing everyone to agree with you, but that’s not what will move you forward. The key is to trust in the direction you’re heading, to trust in the process, and to commit to it, despite the fact that not everyone may share the same exact vision.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, the message is the same: Trust the process. Coaches, do you get caught up in the noise of differing opinions, or do you trust your plan and move forward with confidence? Athletes, how often do you let uncertainty or differing views distract you from trusting the vision and giving your best effort? And parents, do you trust the decisions being made for your athlete, even when you don’t agree with every detail? It’s not about consensus; it’s about trusting the direction and committing to it.
So, whether you're coaching, playing, or cheering from the sidelines, remember this: You don’t need to have a unanimous vote to make progress. You just need to trust the process and commit to it. Think of it like a potluck dinner; everyone might not agree on the menu, but as long as everyone brings something to the table, you’re bound to have a good time.
Now go out there, trust the plan, and get everyone on the same team—whether or not they’re all on the same page.