One of the coaching models I describe in InSideOut Coaching, is Dorothy Gale of Kansas.  Yes, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.  Dorothy is the epitome of a transformational coach.  She doesn't build a hierarchical power structure with herself on top; she weaves her team into a web of authentic relationships, compassionate interactions and communal goals. Coach Dorothy assumes the fundamental responsibilities of every transformative coach. First, she builds authentic relationships with her players that allow her to understand their deepest fears, needs, and longings.  Second, she creates a caring community based on the inherent value and worth of every player. And third, Coach Gale creates a game-plan to help each player maximum their greatest potential.

One of Coach D's greatest strengths lies in her view of team building. Team building is most often thought of in terms of breaking down players, cutting the least talented, creating a hierarchy, and then acting with the authoritarianism of the Wizard. Building a "team without walls" is crafted differently; Dorothy deftly weaves together a team of insecure, needy, and desperate players.  Their unique gifts, abilities, and histories complement one another.  Dorothy provides her players, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion with love, acceptance and belonging. She understands every player is born with a Divine inner light, capable of knowing, loving and spiritually communing with the Universe and endowed with infinite potential for goodness and greatness. As a result of this relationship, they transcend their self-imposed limitations and play for Coach. Her courage, honesty, empathy, and genuine concern for her players become the team's very ethos.

While Dorothy is a literary and cinematic creation - I have coached with a real life Coach Dorothy. Biff Poggi is my friend and one of the most transformational coaches I know.  Listen and watch as Biff speaks to his team on the first day of practice this fall.  

As you listen to him address his team, you can hear and feel Dorothy in the context of high school football. And just like Team Dorothy, Coach Poggi and Gilman have found that winning is a byproduct of authentic relationship building, compassionate interaction between players and coaches and transformative coaching.