Coaches, It's a GET To...Not a HAVE To

Hey Coach,

Before we get started, I want to share something important.

JP Nerbun is one of the thought leaders I have a ton of respect for in the coaching space.

His work has shaped how I think about coaching, leadership, and culture. As we’ve partnered with JP to impact coaches of all sports through TOC Coach, I wanted to share a powerful thought from my friend and co-founder of TOC Coach.

Here you go.

Today’s letter comes from JP Nerbun, co-founder of TOC Coach.

It’s a message I think every coach needs to hear.

From JP:

A coach was venting to me recently. He said:

"Can you believe they only pay me $5,000 a year for all this work?"

I totally get why he’s frustrated.

Coaching is hard.

But I had to ask him:

“Why did you decide to coach in the first place?”

It wasn’t for the money.

He chose coaching because he loves the game.
He loves helping kids.
He loves being part of a team.

He wanted to make a difference…not get rich.

When we say “I HAVE TO go to practice” or “I SHOULD get paid more,” we start acting like victims.

As if we didn’t choose this.

We need to remember:

This is a “GET TO.”

We GET TO help young athletes grow.

We GET TO be part of something special.

We GET TO work with our friends doing something we love.

Here’s the thing…

Once coaching becomes “I HAVE TO do this,” no amount of money will make you happy.

I work with coaches who make hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars.

And you know what?

Many of them are more miserable than the high school coach making $5,000.

When coaching is a GET TO, the joy comes from the work itself.

Not the paycheck.

So what’s the point of all this?

Listen to yourself.

When you catch yourself saying “I HAVE TO,” stop and ask:

Why do I coach?
What matters most to me?
What am I thankful for?

And here’s some food for thought for administrators:

When coaches complain about money, they’re usually not really asking for more money.

They’re asking for support.

Coaches stay when they feel valued and have what they need to succeed.

They need:

• Training and growth to get better at coaching

• Clear plans: a map to follow

• Support: someone who has their back and helps them be their best

Bottom line?

Coaches don’t just want more pay.

They want to know you’re invested in them.

Lead well,

JP Nerbun

Co-Founder, TOC Coach | Executive Coach | Leadership & Culture

P.S. If this resonated with you, we’re running a 20-Day Art of Coaching Challenge inside the TOC Community. You’re welcome to join us.