Coaching objectives come in three main varieties: action-oriented, realistic and time-limited. Action-oriented objectives are designed to help team members become more effective in their roles. Realistic objectives are achievable within the given timeframe, while time-limited objectives have a specific timeline for completion. Holistic coaching is a comprehensive approach that takes into account the relationships between players and the coach's commitment to each individual athlete and person.
This style of training requires more effort but can be cost-effective for experienced teams with the maturity to handle it. Studies show that democratic coaching helps young and young adolescents develop a sense of control over their own education and prepares them for more autocratic training in the future. Situational leadership is the ability to adapt each training style to different contexts. Problems arise when there is a mismatch between the program's objectives and the coach's objectives.
To establish a personal leadership style, coaches must have a strong self-awareness and an understanding of their own natural tendencies, often incorporating elements from all three main training styles. Research indicates that women's teams respond better to autocratic training from male coaches than from female coaches. Holistic coaching, also known as “laissez-faire” coaching, is based on the idea that a happy team will naturally become successful. Autocratic coaches articulate a vision of what players should achieve and expect them to perform.
This style is best suited for mature players who have already developed creativity and self-awareness. Older players tend to prefer autocratic training over younger players, as they may have the discernment to understand why they are being asked to do certain tasks at certain times. The guidance of an experienced coach can be invaluable in helping individuals identify, prioritize and develop action plans to face their challenges. It can also help explore more effective, reflective and sustainable behavior, leading to great success with clients and improved well-being.
