Leadership Lessons from the DugOut

 It may seem obvious that coaching a group of 5-year-olds requires a different approach than coaching 18-year-olds. But over time, I’ve come to understand that tailoring your approach to the team goes far beyond age or experience level. Whether in youth baseball or the corporate world, every team has its own unique personality—and great leaders recognize and adapt to that.

Some teams are highly self-reliant. Once you set a clear direction, they execute with minimal oversight. They thrive on autonomy and appreciate being trusted to manage their own work. Others may need more structure, encouragement, or ongoing feedback to stay on track. Some teams are composed of seasoned experts who bring deep experience and confidence, while others are newer to their roles and still building their skills and team cohesion. The composition and maturity of the group should directly inform your leadership style.

In baseball, I’ve coached teams that responded well to intensity—where being direct, loud, and demanding brought out their best. I’ve also coached teams where that same approach would have backfired, shutting players down or creating unnecessary tension. Learning how to read the group, understanding their mindset and emotional makeup, helped me adjust how I communicated and led.

The same principles apply to organizational leadership. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Leaders must take time to observe, listen, and evaluate the collective energy, confidence, and capability of the team. Then, they must adapt their communication, motivation, and support strategies to fit that team’s needs.

Ultimately, knowing your team’s personality—and leading accordingly—is what builds trust, fosters performance, and brings out the best in people. Whether on the field or in the office, success often depends not on having the perfect plan, but on having the right approach for the team in front of you.