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By Lauren Brett
In the high-stakes world of sport, emotions often run high, and the pressure to perform can lead to behaviours that conflict with personal values and organizational expectations. Unfortunately, when leaders or coaches act out, the response is often swift and punitive—removal or dismissal. But what if, instead of discarding individuals after a mistake, we saw these moments as opportunities for growth and transformation?
At Sport Law, we believe in the power of second chances, not as an act of leniency, but as a commitment to fostering human growth and development. Our leadership coaching programs are designed to help leaders, coaches, and sport professionals align their actions with their values and develop the skills needed to navigate complex emotional and interpersonal dynamics.
Why This Matters
The world of sport has long focused on technical excellence—perfecting the game, the play, or the routine. Yet, leadership in sport requires more than technical skill; it demands emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to inspire and connect with others.
Traditionally, the human side of leadership has been overlooked in sport. Leaders and coaches are often thrust into positions of influence without the training or support needed to manage the emotional challenges that come with the role. When stress, frustration, or ingrained behaviours lead to actions that violate codes of conduct, the response has often been punitive rather than developmental.
This approach leaves a void in the system—valuable individuals are lost, and the broader culture within sport organizations remains unaddressed. By investing in the growth of these leaders, we not only help individuals but also contribute to creating a healthier, more aligned culture across the sport ecosystem.
We acknowledge that humans will mess up. We create the space for people to make amends. We normalize a human centered approach to restoring health. We make it possible to grow from the misstep. By doing so, we foster healthy, thriving cultures by design, not by accident.
The Power of Leadership Coaching for Growth
Our coaching approach provides a confidential, supportive space for leaders to explore the underlying issues and stories that drive their behaviours. Through this process, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, uncover the triggers that lead to unhelpful actions, and develop practical tools to navigate emotions and respond constructively under pressure.
Take the example of a coach who was recently sanctioned for yelling at members of an opposing team. Initially ashamed and embarrassed, he felt stuck in the aftermath of his actions. Through our coaching sessions, he gained clarity about the root causes of his behaviour and discovered strategies to prevent similar situations in the future. As he shared:
“I just finished an amazing coaching program with Lauren Brett. I was initially very nervous because I made a big mistake as a coach, and I felt embarrassed. Yet, from the moment I first spoke to Lauren, she made me feel comfortable and relaxed. We talked openly about what had happened and throughout, I felt supported and acknowledged. The practices, insights and conversations made so much sense and helped me better understand why I needed to change my approach as a coach. Lauren is extremely passionate about her job to help others, and it shows. I can honestly say that because of this incredible coaching program with Lauren, I will definitely be a much better coach who feels more confident in working through difficult situations more skillfully.”
Rick Morris, Sport Coach
The Outcomes of Growth-Oriented Coaching
When leaders engage in this process, the results are profound. They walk away with:
This process not only helps leaders and coaches move forward with clarity and confidence, but it also creates a ripple effect within their teams and organizations. Leaders who invest in their growth contribute to a culture of trust, respect, and continuous learning, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
A New Vision for Leadership in Sport
Our leadership coaching programs are a testament to the idea that growth is possible, even after missteps. It reflects our commitment to supporting the human side of sport leadership—developing individuals who can lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience.
With this service, we are shifting the paradigm in sport. Leaders are not born; they are built. And when they falter, we must see the potential for growth rather than an opportunity to discard. Together, we can create a more compassionate, effective, and human-centered approach to leadership in sport.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our leadership coaching programs can support individuals and organizations, please contact me at lbrett@sportlaw.ca. Let’s work together to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
