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After dealing with Stan the Star we had better lighten up a little and have some fun on the field.
Ah! Here's Clara the Clown. As far as she's concerned, everything is funny. With most coaches, she has to be very clever and secretive, because if she gets caught...! That kind of coach just can't wait to catch her in the act. As for you, you can have fun with her, enjoy her humor, and get along just fine, but you have to work on it with her.
One thing in our favor is that Clara is a good clown. Nothing that she does is meant to do any harm or to hurt anybody. She "just wants to have fun." But, the time that she really bugs us coaches is when we want everyone to be serious. So, we are leading 4 to 3 late in the second half and our opponents have an indirect free kick from 20 yards out. It simply is not O.K. for Clara to be doing juggling tricks on the sideline while the game is going on. What Clara is doing is not a problem, but her timing is awful.
Well, Coach, this is what we call a need for education. You have to spend time talking to her about when and how she can be a good clown. The major concern is whether it is appropriate in terms of situation and time. Claras are good to have around – they keep us laughing and happy when the time and situation are right.
Example: You're having a postgame meeting and suggesting that there is a need for better passing in future games and we will be dealing with this in the next practice. Clara has a ball at her feet demonstrating how to pass behind your back. She does have a good response from her teammates; in fact, more people are watching her than you.
Your feelings: There she goes again. Doesn't she ever give it a rest? It's about time she grew up and helped us get some of our important business done.
What you would like to do: Say, "Clara, cut that out. When are you going to grow up?" (This kind of sarcasm can change the good clown into a nasty clown.)
Try this instead: Say, "Clara, that isn't appropriate right now. Can you help me deal with this problem? Thanks."You have a full time job with Clara. She needs a lot of reinforcement and recognition. Don't let her get desperate and turn into that nasty clown. Everyone gets hurt in that case.
But, look at the bright side; things could be worse. You could pick up Sam the Smart Aleck and have two clowns on your team competing for Team Clown. (Can you imagine having Robin Williams and Jim Carrey on your team at the same time?)
Clara's Goal: Attention
She wants your attention and she will get it in an appropriate way if you understand what the dynamics are and respond to her in a caring, intelligent way. |
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