When you show up differently people notice.

Anyone that sees me coach knows that I don’t abide by the Hollywood normal of what a sideline coach “should be”. Up and about, passing back and forth, shouting at his players and referees. Saying the exact right thing to profoundly impact the trajectory of the game and dare I say the season!

On the contrary, my M.O., I would sum up as the enjoyable stoic. I enjoy watching the fruits of the teams labor show itself in competition. I choose to stay neutral energetically to make more grounded decisions strategically.

That being said, because of this juxtaposition to what social norms say how a coach “should act”, it is a disruption.

For example, a short time ago following a match our team had just finished, I had a parent come up to me and say thank you for showing up the way you do. It’s not like anything we have ever been a part of before. You enjoy yourself and trust the guys to get the job done.

Shortly thereafter, another parent approached me, energetically heightened I’ll say, and began to tell me what I was “doing wrong” and ask me if I even cared about what I was doing.

This was after the SAME match!

If you show up in a way people don’t expect, consciously or not, it disrupts their pattern for living and they notice.

What I have learned, is people noticing that disruption is inevitable and it is a great indicator for me that I am showing up in a way that I value.

Expect some feedback if you’re a disruption. It will better prepare you to pause and respond from your authentic self.