How will I work with them?

Within a team, we have identified many different roles. As Team Manager you will be part of an interdisciplinary management team, and it is likely the team will set a team ethos and culture. Equally important is your own style of management and, in particular, leading by example. There is little point in setting times for meetings that you are consistently late for or outlining the kit everyone should be wearing on a particular day, only to turn up wearing something different. Being a good manager is as much about how you do something as it is about completing the task. 

Ensure you set your standards early and remind yourself and the Team Management regularly of the ethos and culture that has been agreed. Leading with demonstrated behaviours and values will inspire others. 

Within the framework of the team ethos there should be alignment with the management group that has been discussed and agreed. As the majority of information will flow through you, as Team Manager you will on occasion, have to deliver bad news to the team. Just as players are expected to show respect to Coaches and Officials, so too should the management group hold true to you, even at times of competition pressure. This atmosphere of trust and understanding will take some time to develop and will require the engagement of all members of the management group and in particular, the Head Coach. Ultimately it is your standards of delivery, the strength of the management team and the values you collectively uphold that will ensure the team remains united, win or lose. 

Getting the balance right

Although a Team Manager is responsible for a significant number of tasks, it is important to ensure you are finding space and time to rest and recharge. Finding a balance, particularly while travelling can be challenging but certain tasks and responsibilities can be delegated. Players can be tasked with managing laundry delivery and returns for example or are responsible for certain pieces of training equipment making it on and off the bus or managing water supply at training. 

Achieving a balance might also mean managing the cadence and timing of the management meetings. Does little and often work better than two or three long meetings per week? Finding a balance will help both you and the team. 

There must also be a balance for the team as a whole, particularly in a tournament environment. Looking at activities for the team during down-time or some small daily activities or challenges can make the day to day of tournament life more fun. A group of players could be given the responsibility of creating social activities.