Written by R Harrison Baxter, Business Strategist
Widely known as Coach Ray Baxter, a respected keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and corporate trainer. Renowned for his expertise in fostering transformative corporate cultures.
We often talk about the power of reflective listening and empathy in leadership. Both are essential, but today, I want to focus on something slightly different. Since we haven’t written an article since the start of this football season, it seems like the perfect moment to reflect on the critical role of leadership—both on and off the gridiron.
Recently, I witnessed a youth football game that left a lasting impression. The coaches were furious with the officials over calls that, in their eyes, cost their team the game. Their frustration boiled over to the point where, after the final whistle, they refused to let the kids shake hands with the other team. Now, I didn’t know either coach, but as someone who has spent decades shaping young men through sports, I felt compelled to act. I spoke to both coaches and pointed out that they were sending the wrong message to all the kids on the field. Regardless of the game's outcome, the act of shaking hands promotes sportsmanship and builds character—traits that will carry these young men far beyond their playing days.
This incident got me thinking about the life lessons youth coaches impart, lessons that should extend into adulthood. Leadership, whether in sports or business, is about more than just winning. It’s about teaching values that will help individuals succeed as teammates, employees, and most importantly, as human beings. Below are five leadership lessons I’ve learned from coaching that are just as important in life as they are on the gridiron.
1. Teamwork and talent optimization
During my time leading The Bronx Rebels Youth Football Program, our mission wasn’t just to create successful athletes. We aimed to assist parents in raising responsible, successful young men. Every player had a role to play, whether they were a star quarterback or a backup lineman. The key was identifying their strengths and putting them in the best position to succeed.
Lesson: True leadership is about recognizing the unique abilities of each individual and aligning them with the team’s collective goals. Just as a coach maximizes a player’s potential, leaders in the workplace should strive to optimize each team member’s contributions. This creates a culture where everyone feels valued and part of something bigger than themselves.
Application: In business, leaders must assess the strengths of their employees and build teams that complement each other. When people are placed in roles where their talents are appreciated, the entire organization performs better—just like a football team that works cohesively toward a shared goal.
2. Adaptability in the face of change
Coaching at both Westbury and Evander Childs High Schools taught me that no season is predictable. Injuries, tough opponents, and even unexpected weather could force us to rethink our entire game plan. But adaptability was key. I remember a particular season when, despite several setbacks, our team learned to adjust quickly and play to our strengths, ultimately outperforming expectations.
Lesson: Adaptability is critical in leadership. The ability to shift strategies and keep the team focused, even when things don’t go according to plan, is a hallmark of great leadership. Just as a coach adapts to changing circumstances on the gridiron, a business leader must guide their team through market shifts or internal changes without losing momentum.
Application: Corporate leaders should embrace change and help their teams see it as an opportunity rather than a setback. Whether facing a tough competitor or a new industry challenge, being flexible and open to new strategies ensures the team can respond effectively and achieve their goals.
3. Vision-driven leadership
With The Bronx Rebels Youth Football Elite, a collegiate club team that gained national attention, it was essential to lead with a vision. These players, many of whom came from challenging backgrounds, needed something bigger to believe in. The vision wasn’t just about winning on the gridiron—it was about setting them up for success beyond football, whether in their academics or future careers.
Lesson: A leader with a clear, compelling vision inspires those around them to give their best. In both sports and business, people need to understand the bigger picture—the “why” behind their efforts. Leaders must communicate a vision that goes beyond short-term wins and helps others see how their contributions fit into the broader mission.
Application: In the workplace, leaders should frequently communicate their vision and help team members understand how their daily work connects to long-term goals. This creates alignment and fosters a sense of purpose, much like a coach who rallies their team around the pursuit of a championship.
4. Mentorship and developing resilience
During my years at Monroe College Football, I worked closely with players who faced immense challenges off the field. My role as a mentor was just as important as my tactical knowledge. I helped them build mental resilience, teaching them how to bounce back from failures and remain focused on their goals.
Lesson: Great leaders mentor others and help them develop resilience. In business, this means providing support during tough times and encouraging team members to view challenges as growth opportunities. Just as a coach helps players recover from a tough loss, business leaders must guide their teams through setbacks and empower them to learn from those experiences.
Application: Corporate leaders should create an environment where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success. By offering consistent mentorship and support, leaders help their teams develop the mental toughness needed to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward, much like athletes who train to improve after every loss.
5. Sportsmanship and character building
Back to that youth game I witnessed—the message I wanted those coaches to understand was simple. Winning or losing isn’t the end-all. The real lesson in sports comes from how we conduct ourselves, especially in difficult moments. Shaking hands after the game is a show of respect, humility, and sportsmanship—values that shape young athletes into well-rounded adults.
Lesson: Leadership is about modeling the right behaviors, even in challenging situations. In business, leaders must demonstrate integrity, fairness, and respect, regardless of the outcome. Teaching young athletes the importance of sportsmanship isn’t just about the game—it’s about shaping their character for life.
Application: In the corporate world, leaders should promote a culture of respect and ethical behavior. How a team handles success or failure says a lot about the organization’s values. Leaders who emphasize sportsmanship and character-building foster an environment where people treat each other with respect, no matter the circumstances, just as athletes shake hands after a hard-fought game.
Conclusion
Leadership is a lifelong journey, whether you’re coaching youth on the gridiron or leading a team in the boardroom. The lessons we teach—about teamwork, adaptability, vision, resilience, and character—are the foundation for success in both sports and life. As coaches and leaders, we have a responsibility to instill these values, not just to win games but to shape the next generation of athletes, employees, and leaders.
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R Harrison Baxter, Business Strategist
R. Harrison Baxter, widely known as Coach Ray Baxter, a respected keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and corporate trainer. Renowned for his expertise in fostering transformative corporate cultures, Coach Baxter's specialization lies in leveraging reflective listening to drive empathy and bring about meaningful change. As a sought-after authority in addressing diversity, inequality, and corporate well-being, Coach Baxter empowers global organizations and individuals alike. His impactful insights have reshaped perspectives and empowered countless individuals to strive for better.
