Know Your Role and Manage Expectations
- May 7
- 2 min read
Golden Nugget #2 for Strength Coaching Success
By Joe “Big House” Kenn
Introduction
This article is part of my four-part series: “3 Golden Nuggets for Strength Coaching Success.”
Throughout this series I am sharing several principles that have shaped my approach to coaching throughout my career.
The four articles include:
The Strength Coach as the Chameleon
Know Your Role and Manage Expectations
Control Your Inner A.P.E.
Bringing It All Together
Each lesson can stand on its own, but their real value comes from how they work together to build successful coaches and programs.
In this article we focus on the second golden nugget.
Know Your Role
One of the most important lessons a young strength coach can learn is understanding their role within the organization.
Strength coaches operate within a larger system that includes:
Head coaches
Sport coaches
Athletic trainers
Administrators
Athletes
Every individual plays an important role in the success of the team.
Leadership expert John Maxwell describes this concept as the Law of the Niche — the idea that everyone has a place where they add the most value.
For strength coaches, our role is clear.
We prepare athletes physically and mentally to perform at their highest level.
When everyone understands their role, the entire program operates more effectively.
Become a Catalyst
Within every successful program there are individuals who make things happen.
They bring energy.
They solve problems.
They help move the organization forward.
These individuals are catalysts.
Great strength coaches strive to become catalysts within their programs.
They do not wait to be asked.
They take initiative.
They look for opportunities to help athletes and coaches succeed.
Over time, these individuals become the “go-to people” within the organization.
Earning Trust
Young coaches often want more influence within their program.
But influence cannot be demanded.
It must be earned.
Trust is built through:
Professionalism
Consistency
Commitment
Ownership
When sport coaches see that a strength coach is fully invested in the success of the program, trust begins to grow.
And as trust grows, opportunities expand.
Managing Expectations
Another important reality in coaching is that expectations change.
As your role grows, expectations from leadership will grow as well.
Responsibilities expand.
Opportunities appear.
The key is understanding how to navigate these changes while maintaining professionalism and consistency.
Closing Thoughts
Great strength coaches understand that success is not about controlling everything.
It is about mastering your role within the system.
When you focus on doing your job at a high level, supporting the mission of the program, and earning trust over time, your impact grows naturally.
Understand your role.
Manage expectations.
And always be ready when opportunity arrives.
— Coach Joe “Big House” Kenn
The best thing about Drive Mad is that it rewards persistence instead of luck. Even difficult stages become manageable once you understand the vehicle movement and momentum.