May 10, 2021 - Sending Players Into The Game

Being a coach/leader/parent requires extra responsibility… not only are there personal duties that need to be performed, but also personnel duties that need to be directed/overseen…

Psychology tells us that only around 10% of people are going to (see the need and fill the need) without being told to do so… and then around 10% of people simply are going to do nothing… which leaves 80% of the population somewhere on the scale of how much prodding/encouragement is needed to get the job done. And then there is the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) that states that 80% of your productivity (work) is going to come from 20% of your source (volunteers)… and many believe that should actually be more like 90/10.

In a recent meeting I was in, we were discussing getting people involved. I took a coach’s approach in stating that we needed to be very intentional in calling players off the bench and sending them into the game to fill a position. Yet another person in the meeting stated he thought we should just let folks know there are openings/needs and not “push” them.

I fully understand the heart behind that sentiment but see a couple issues…

First, what we know to be true about humanity is that some are ready to “check into the game” and others are reluctant to. Maybe they are just not feeling needed or valued… or maybe scared and don’t trust their abilities… Many NEED to not only be given direction but also an encouraging-(I believe in you)-nudge…

Second, even if that would work in raising up volunteers, it still doesn’t give clear direction. Can you imagine if I just gave a general call to my bench and said, “whoever wants to go in, check in, and play where you want…”? I’d have little guys taking the place of big guys… guys that can’t shoot filling roles of a shooter… I think you get my point.

There is a reason we have leaders… they should go first in the work (be on the horse in front) and also have to give direction / a game plan!

The book of Nehemiah shares a story of great teamwork, where each person and tribe played their roles. Look at the words in these couple of verses (13-14) in Nehemiah chapter 4 concerning Nehemiah’s role:

“Therefore, I POSITIONED men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I SET the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I LOOKED, and AROSE and SAID to the people…”

POSITIONED & SET: A leader places or appoints folks in their place of service and with their best squad…

LOOKED: A leader is aware and creates vision…

AROSE: A leader doesn’t stay on a chair… takes the place of decision making…

SAID: A leader gives clear direction and encouragement…

I know from experience, a player loves for the coach to call his number and give him a task… Leaders, start being intentional in getting folks “in the game.” You can’t be a good leader without giving direction…