Athletic Director: The AD You Have Determined To Move In ✓ Solved

Athletic Director As The Ad You Have Determined To Move In A

As the AD, you have determined to move in a different direction and remove a head coach from their position. The head coach is very popular and well known in the community. How do you communicate the change to the student-athletes and program stakeholders? How do you manage the media? Identify the style(s) of leadership that would be needed to deal with this situation.

One of your head coaches made a large purchase of gear and apparel for his program without going through the proper steps of creating a purchase order and getting the purchase approved by administration. The fundraiser he conducted to cover the costs did not cover the entire amount of the purchase. Now the vendor is threatening to freeze all of your programs from future purchases and is threatening to take up the matter with district personnel. What steps could you take to remediate this situation? Identify the style(s) of leadership that would be needed to deal with this situation.

A teacher on your campus provided you with information concerning one of your head coaches. The teacher claims that a male head coach has been sending inappropriate texts and pictures to female students on campus through social media. What are the next required steps? Once you reach your decision, how is it communicated and to whom? Identify the style(s) of leadership that would be needed to deal with this situation.

A longtime assistant coach threatens a player at the first practice of the season, saying he is going to “take him out.” Another player hears the threat and reports it to the head coach. What steps should be taken by the head coach in this situation? Identify the style(s) of leadership that would be needed to deal with this situation.

A football team is in the semi-finals for the state playoffs. The team is down by four with three minutes left in the game. The head coach had allowed the offensive coordinator to call plays for the last two regular season games and through the team’s playoff run. With the offense set to take the field, the head coach decides to take over the play calling for the remainder of the game. The team drove down the field, but ultimately failed to score losing the game. As a head coach, how do you handle the postgame conversation with your assistant coach? What steps should be taken by the head coach to explain the thought process? Identify the style(s) of leadership that the head coach demonstrated during the game.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the multifaceted role of an Athletic Director (AD), decision-making often involves navigating complex situations that affect various stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, vendors, and the media. This paper will address four different scenarios that an AD may encounter, outlining appropriate communication strategies, leadership styles needed for effective resolution, and the professional approaches that should be adopted to manage each situation.

Removing a Head Coach

In the scenario where an AD decides to remove a popular head coach, clear and sensitive communication is crucial. The first step would be to schedule a meeting with the student-athletes and program stakeholders to explain the decision responsibly. It’s essential to acknowledge the head coach’s contributions while clearly detailing the reasons for the change. Transparency is vital in such discussions to prevent rumors and unrest.

To manage the media effectively, the AD should prepare a press release that focuses on the future direction of the program rather than dwelling on the circumstances leading to the coach's removal. This release should promote a positive outlook geared towards growth and improvement. A press conference could also follow, where the AD answers questions while steering the narrative towards the program's goals.

Leadership styles that would be beneficial in this situation include transformational leadership, which inspires and motivates the team while managing change, and participative leadership, which encourages input from stakeholders to foster a sense of community during transitions. These styles promote trust, lessen resistance to change, and ensure that everyone feels included and valued.

Mismanagement of Funds

The second situation involving a coach making unapproved purchases can potentially jeopardize the program’s operations. Here, the AD must first facilitate a meeting with the coach to discuss the specifics of the purchases, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to financial protocols. The AD should explore options for resolving the financial shortfall, including potential fundraising strategies or budget reallocations.

It’s vital for the AD to communicate the situation to the vendor in a professional manner, providing assurance that the matter will be addressed promptly to restore trust. Dialogues with district personnel should also be initiated to clarify the issue and prevent escalation. Approaching scenarios like these requires a blend of transactional leadership, where authority is exercised to manage compliance, and supportive leadership to maintain team morale through the crisis.

Inappropriate Conduct by a Head Coach

When faced with allegations of inappropriate behavior by a coach, the AD must act swiftly and decisively. The first step involves conducting a thorough investigation into the claims, ensuring adherence to legal protocols and protecting the confidentiality of those involved. Notifications to relevant authorities and compliance with district policies are crucial in this scenario.

Communication should commence with a discreet yet direct confrontation with the accused coach, presenting the allegations while allowing room for a response. It is essential to maintain transparency with stakeholders without compromising the integrity of the investigation. Supportive actions towards the affected students must be communicated, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

A combination of authoritative and ethical leadership styles are necessary here. Authoritative leadership provides direction and clarifies the gravity of the allegations, while ethical leadership maintains moral standards and fosters an environment of trust and respect.

Assistant Coach Threatening a Player

In the event of an assistant coach threatening a player, the head coach must take immediate action. The first step should be to address the concern with the assistant coach privately to understand the context of the statement and emphasize the inappropriateness of such behavior in a sports environment. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the players is paramount.

The head coach should communicate any decisions subsequently made to both the coaching staff and the players, fostering an environment where athletes feel safe and supported. Proper documentation of the incident and follow-up conversations are also crucial for transparency and future reference.

This situation necessitates a coaching style that integrates authoritative leadership to enforce rules and regulations while combining it with a compassionate approach, showing care for the players’ emotional and physical security.

Postgame Conversations

After a tough loss due to the head coach’s decision to take over play-calling, it is paramount that the head coach approaches the situation constructively. The postgame conversation should focus on celebrating the team's efforts while discussing the rationale behind the decision to take control of play-calling. Constructive feedback should be provided to the assistant coach, valuing their input while also emphasizing the high-pressure context of the game.

Encouraging feedback loops and establishing future protocols for communication during critical moments can bolster team dynamics. This scenario highlights the importance of situational leadership, where the head coach must adapt their style based on the context - being flexible, directive, and collaborative throughout the process.

Conclusion

Each of these scenarios requires the application of specific leadership styles to effectively navigate complex situations. An AD must be prepared to communicate transparently, manage stakeholder relationships, and assume accountability. The approaches taken in each situation not only influence resolution but also shape the culture and future direction of the athletic program.

References

• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage publications.
• DuBrin, A. J. (2016). Leadership: Research Findings, Practice, and Skills. Cengage Learning.
• Kirkman, B. L., & Rosen, B. (1999). Beyond Self-Management: Antecedents and Consequences of Team Empowerment. Academy of Management Journal, 42(1), 58-74.
• Yukl, G. A. (2010). Leadership in Organizations. Pearson Education.
• Hargrove, R. (2003). Mastering the Art of Leadership: An Insider's Guide to the Leadership of Tomorrow. Vintage.
• Sharma, K. (2018). Integrating ethical leadership into sports management: Why it matters. Journal of Sport Management, 32(4), 232-246.
• Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership That Gets Results. Harvard Business Review.
• Bennis, W. (2009). On Becoming a Leader. Perseus Books.
• Katz, R. L., & Kahn, R. L. (1978). The Social Psychology of Organizations. Wiley.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (2002). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.