This spring, I had the privilege of coaching my son's Little League team—nine- and ten-year-olds, plus one fearless eight-year-old and a determined young girl who held her own with the boys. We won more games than we lost, but what stuck with me most weren’t the wins. It was what I learned about leadership.
Leading a team of kids is a masterclass in patience, communication, and encouragement. And honestly? Every adult leading a business team could benefit from a few innings on a dusty diamond with these little ones.
1. Challenge the Group—And Let Them Help Each Other Rise
Early on, I realized that if I only leaned on the most talented players, the team would never truly grow. So I gave the more experienced kids opportunities to lead—helping younger teammates learn plays or understand their positions. The result? The whole team improved faster. In business, the same principle applies: empower your strong performers to lift others up, and everyone wins.
2. Build Before You Correct
No one thrives by being torn down. After a tough play or a strikeout, I’d always start with what the kid did right. Maybe they kept their eye on the ball, or they hustled hard to first. Then, and only then, we’d talk about how to improve. That same approach works wonders in the office. Find the good. Then guide the growth.
3. Some Days, the Ball Just Doesn’t Bounce Your Way
One game, three bloop hits dropped in the worst spots. We played hard—and still lost. I told the kids: "That's baseball." Sometimes you do everything right and still fall short. That’s life, too. And business. Resilience comes from understanding that effort matters more than outcome.
4. Know Your Role Before the Pitch is Thrown
Before every at-bat, I’d ask: "What’s your job if the ball comes to you?" Because in baseball, if you're not prepared, you're late. In business, if you don't know your role before the meeting, before the campaign, before the deal—you're playing catch-up. Great teams win because they prepare together.
5. Communication Is Everything
That chatter on the field? It's not just noise—it’s clarity, energy, and alignment. When everyone’s talking, everyone’s connected. The same goes for business. Teams need to talk—up, down, across—and know the mission, the goal, the play. Silence never wins championships.
6. Winning (Or Losing) Is Always Better Together
Every celebration was sweeter because we shared it. Every loss stung less because we had each other. Whether in cleats or dress shoes, the people beside you are what matter most. Shared goals, shared burdens, shared victories—that’s what builds real teams.
And One Last Lesson: Take Something With You
After our final game, I pulled out a baseball and asked every kid on the team to sign it. Their eyes lit up like I had just handed them the World Series trophy. One by one, they scribbled their names in Sharpie, smiling and laughing on that field one last time. I just wanted something to hold onto—a memento to go with all the lessons and memories this incredible crew of kids gave me.
That signed ball sits on my kids shelf now. A reminder that leadership is about more than wins or stats. It’s about people. It’s about showing up, lifting others, and walking off the field knowing you gave your best—and brought others with you.
Our little league is in the news right now as the access road to our fields are in jeopardy. You can learn more about it here. From Des Moines CBS News station https://www.kcci.com/article/raccoon-valley-little-league-faces-road-access-challenge/64971321
By Patrick Tape Fleming