• Contact
  • My Account
  • Log In
  • 0Shopping Cart
thoughtLEADERS, LLC: Leadership Training for the Real World
  • About
  • Services
  • eLearning
  • Team
  • Blog
  • Clients
  • Books
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu

Build your skills! Take our eLearning courses on TITAN!

World-class eLearning courses with videos, exercises, downloads, and a certificate of completion. Get started today!

Structured Thought: Problem Solving
Structured Thought and Communication
Strategic Business Planning
Principles of Chart Design eLearning Course
Engagement Management
Deliberate Decision Making
Breakthrough Innovation
Everything is Negotiable
Leading through Change
Storytelling for Leaders
Storytelling for Salespeople
Building Leadership Resilience
Compelling Executive Presence
Coaching for Impact
Building Personal Resilience
Building Personal Resilience
Wide Banner SPS
Wide Banner STC
Wide Banner SBP
Wide Banner PCD
Wide Banner ENM
Wide Banner DDM
Wide Banner BTI
Wide Banner EIN
Wide Banner LTC
Wide Banner SFL
Wide Banner SFS
Wide Banner BLR
Wide Banner CEP
Wide Banner CFI
Wide Banner BPR
Wide Banner TMM
previous arrow
next arrow

How to Lead Like a Coxswain

May 9, 2011/8 Comments/in Leadership /by Mike Figliuolo

Coxswain and RowersAnyone who has ever seen a crew team rowing down the river has likely wondered why one person is a passenger and everyone else in the boat is rowing like mad. It would seem the coxswain has the easiest job in the boat.

It’s actually incredibly difficult and my 16 year-old daughter (who is a coxswain) has taught me a few great leadership lessons as I’ve watched her cox over the past few seasons.

As you run your organizations there are a few lessons you can take from her and apply to be better leaders of your teams as well. They’re counter-intuitive approaches to leadership but if you apply them well I think you’ll be very pleased with the results.

Those lessons are:
– Know your team’s needs at any given moment
– Small tweaks can have a big impact
– Being small doesn’t mean being weak
– Demand a lot from your team – they’re up to it

Here’s how those lessons can be applied:

Know your team’s needs at any given moment

Crew teams tend to have long days on the water and races can take them from elation to despair depending on how well they race. Great coxswains know where their team members’ heads are at. They know when the team is down and needs picked up. They understand if the team is stressed and they calm them down. They know if the team is excited and they channel that energy. A great coxswain pays attention to the team’s mood and adjusts their coaching accordingly.

Where is your team’s head at today? What kind of mood are they in? Do your coaching and leadership techniques take that mental state into account? Are you flexible enough to change styles quickly to match the mood of the team?

Small tweaks can have a big impact

When I first saw my daughter cox, I was completely unaware of the little steering movements she was responsible for by way of a hidden steering system. The adjustments she makes make the difference between winning and colliding with another boat. The steering corrections she makes by guiding the rowers to change stroke determine if they pull ahead in the race or run aground. Those changes in direction are miniscule but they have a big impact. If she overcorrects, it’s a disaster.

When you change direction for your team, are they small and subtle movements or massive changes? Do you gently guide the team in a new direction or do you make huge shifts all at once? Many smaller yet frequent changes are sometimes better and less disruptive than large shifts.

Being small doesn’t mean being weak

Coxswains are physically tiny. Like *really* tiny. That said, they’re usually the strongest member of the team in terms of leadership and direction. They have to get four or eight other highly-accomplished athletes rowing in perfect synchronicity. They also have to lead all team movements from the boat trailer to rigging to launch to recovery. A coxswain is always performing some leadership task to get the team to its destination safely and in a winning way.

No matter your physical presence or your tenure with the organization, do you take full control of the team at all times? Do your words and action carry weight for your team and get them moving in the right direction? Regardless of stature (physical or organizational) remember your team looks to you for leadership. Get over any hang-ups or insecurities then step up and lead.

Demand a lot from your team – they’re up to it

A great coxswain knows what the team is capable of. They push that team to row as hard as they can when the occasion calls for it. They balance between an even, steady pace and what is called a “power 10” or even a “power 20” which is 10 or 20 strokes as hard as the team is able. They push the teams as hard as possible when it makes sense to do so. And I’ve yet to see a time when she pushed a team and they didn’t step up regardless of how exhausted they were.

Do you know your team’s limits? Are you demanding of great performance? Do you push them hard when the occasion requires it? Are you unafraid to ask the impossible and guide them and cheer them along the way to achieving it?

Go be a coxswain for your team

Know your team and push them hard. Make small tweaks and changes in direction rather than taking a sudden herky jerky approach. Forget about size and tenure and let your leadership speak for itself.

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC
– Get the latest updates on my upcoming book One Piece of Paper – CLICK HERE

Photo: In Unison by Michael Coghlan

https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo.png 0 0 Mike Figliuolo https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo.png Mike Figliuolo2011-05-09 08:48:002018-06-26 09:32:55How to Lead Like a Coxswain
8 replies
  1. Anonymous
    Anonymous says:
    May 10, 2011 at 7:28 am

    As a rower, I liked this blog. I would add that self-reflection and true self confidence is a more important attribute of a leader http://stepwise.tumblr.com/post/4943694178/ready-to-wear-leadership-advice

    Steph

    Reply
  2. Leslie Fox
    Leslie Fox says:
    May 10, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Thank you for writing about the leadership of the coxswain on a rowing team. I also like to think about rowing teams as a metaphor for “leading from any position”. I see leadersip as a reciprocal relationship, the key word being reciprocal. On a successful rowing team the relationship of the coxswain and the crew members also illustrates the relationship between a high level of cooperation and the quality of outcomes that the group achieves, quality that is compromised in many organizations by the most perplexing question of all, how do you prevent "politics at work" from sabotaging a department, a team or the whole organization? I believe the hallmark of successful leadership is the capacity to inspire others to perform well, enabling the success of their work unit (team, department, etc.) and in turn the organization. Individuals who regularly do that are leaders, regardless of their position in the hierarchy. They are individuals who by their very presence have a positive effect on co-workers. Individuals engaged in "politics" are not leaders, they are not focused on the success of the group. They are reactive and unable to manage their own anxiety. Success comes when each individual takes responsibility for self, with an awareness of what the group needs most from him or her.

    In my experience, when individuals engage others in a way that reduces anxiety in the system, the functioning of those around them improves, and the work group has better outcomes. Typically, when people in an organization identify politics as a workplace that compromises their functioning, anxiety and reactivity in the organization are high and going higher. Politics at work is a manifestation of anxiety that plays out in behaviors that get in the way of success. The leader who is a non-anxious presence calms the organization, so that others can start thinking instead of reacting, and the stage is set for greater cooperation, creativity and productivity, all characteristics of a winning rowing team.

    Reply
  3. Mike Figliuolo
    Mike Figliuolo says:
    May 10, 2011 at 9:15 am

    @Leslie – great thoughts! Thanks for sharing and for being so complete. Interested in writing a guest post sometime?

    Reply
  4. Linda Oien
    Linda Oien says:
    May 13, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Hi Mike! I love the rowing metaphor you used and believe it fits well with the role of leaders. In fact I just wrote and published a book entitled "power10" LEADERSHIP: How to Engage People and Get Results. It has the rowing metaphor woven throughout and includes a collage of the Gonzaga University Women's Rowing Team. I will look forward to reading your upcoming book!

    Reply
  5. Mike Figliuolo
    Mike Figliuolo says:
    May 13, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    @Linda – I reposted your comment (somehow it disappeared so if you deleted it, let me know and i'll remove). I'd love to learn more about your book. Interested in sharing an excerpt as a guest blog post? Drop me an email if that's something you'd like to do.

    Reply
  6. Pete Cipollone
    Pete Cipollone says:
    May 17, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Hi Mike.

    A friend referred me to your post. I coxed for the USA in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and won the gold medal in '04. Your post draws some excellent parallels between coxing and business leadership. I wrote a post on what makes a great coxswain for a friend's site, which I thought dovetails nicely with this post.

    Above all things, being a great leader means working your tail off to make your team better. This is obvious, but is it something we as leaders commit to working on every day?

    Reply
  7. Mike Figliuolo
    Mike Figliuolo says:
    May 18, 2011 at 4:56 am

    @Pete – thanks for your thoughts. Glad you enjoyed the post. I enjoyed yours too (and passed it along to my daughter – the coxswain). I'll let you know what she thinks of it. Thanks for reading.

    Reply
  8. Amy Figliuolo
    Amy Figliuolo says:
    June 17, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    Very nice tribute to your daughter.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Get free blog posts by email NOW!

It’s the best 5 minutes a week you can spend on your development.

Subscribe HERE!


All Contacts

Get new posts FREE via RSS!
Follow thoughtLEADERS on LinkedInFollow thoughtLEADERS on twitter
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
 

Check Out Our Courses

Our courses teach immediately applicable skills that have real impact on your business. From leadership to strategy and negotiation to conflict resolution, we have a broad set of course offerings that will drive immediate performance improvements.
OUR COURSES

Our Courses

Group of Business People Meeting
Puzzle Pieces
Glasses Looking Over Cityscape
Doors on a Wall
Cog Wheels
Man Reading Book
Fishing hook in the sea
Microphone in Lecture Hall
Charts on Blue Background
Wristwatch
Exploding Light Bulb
Man on Summit of Mountain
Lightning Bolts
Man Painting the Word Change on a Wall
Construction Cranes
Plant Growing in a Hand
High Performance Gears
Men Shaking Hands Closeup
Influence Definition
Sailboat at Sunset
Hanging light bulbs with glowing one isolated on dark blue background
Wagon Wheel
Executive Communications
Structured Problem Solving
Creating Leadership Maxims
Leading inside the Box
Deliberate Decision Making
Simple Strategic Planning
Storytelling for Leaders
Storytelling for Sales
Executive Presence
Principles of Chart Design
Time Management Mastery
Breakthrough Innovation
Leadership Resilience
Conflict Resolution
Leading through Change
Project Management Reality
Coaching for Impact
High Performing Teams
Everything is Negotiable
Leading with Influence
Building Personal Resilience
thoughtLEADERSHIP
Engagement Management
previous arrow
next arrow
 

eLearning Courses on TITAN

Structured Thought: Problem Solving
Puzzle Pieces
Structured Thought: Problem Solving

Clearly define a problem, scope all issues related to the problem, generate potential solutions, then analyze and select the best solution by using time-tested critical thinking methods and tools.

VIEW COURSE
Structured Thought and Communication
Group of Business People Meeting
Structured Thought and Communication

Craft clear and compelling recommendations that resonate with stakeholders. Get your ideas approved by using a proven method for delivering executive-level communications.

VIEW COURSE
Principles of Chart Design
Different Types of Line and Bar Charts
Principles of Chart Design

Create well-designed presentation charts that get your message across quickly and clearly to drive your audience to action. From data charts to concept charts, these methods help make your point.

VIEW COURSE
Engagement Management
Wagon Wheel
Engagement Management

Whether you’re an internal or external consultant or a project leader, learn proven methods, techniques, and processes to effectively lead consulting engagements that drive your client’s success.

VIEW COURSE
Strategic Business Planning
Cog Wheels
Strategic Business Planning

Use a straightforward and effective strategic planning process that shows how to craft a clear, compelling plan for your organization - not just one time, but on an ongoing basis year after year.

VIEW COURSE
Deliberate Decision Making
Deliberate Decision Making
Deliberate Decision Making

Make better, faster, and more effective decisions. Apply simple yet powerful decision making tools to define decision authority, manage risk, increase accountability, and drive execution.

VIEW COURSE
Everything is Negotiable
Men Shaking Hands
Everything is Negotiable

Become a better negotiator in all situations – from day to day interactions to hammering out large deals. Build the skills required to get what you want and strengthen relationships while you do.

VIEW COURSE
Breakthrough Innovation
Exploding Lightbulb
Breakthrough Innovation

Generate and select unique strategies that separate you from the competition. Construct bold and disruptive solutions then build and execute a plan for taking those strategies to market.

VIEW COURSE
Storytelling for Leaders
Man reading stories from a book
Storytelling for Leaders

Create business stories that inspire people, build connections with your audience, and ultimately advance your organization's goals by using a repeatable, straightforward method.

VIEW COURSE
Storytelling for Salespeople
Storytelling for Salespeople
Storytelling for Salespeople

Create and deliver stories that will take your sales efforts to the next level. Connect with and convince buyers in all situations using memorable stories. These stronger relationships drive more sales.

VIEW COURSE
Leading through Change
Leading through Change
Leading through Change

Lead your organization through the most challenging times using a proven change management process. Get people through the change and back to driving performance quickly and effectively.

VIEW COURSE
Building Leadership Resilience
Mountain Climbing Expedition
Building Leadership Resilience

Prepare your body and brain to be ready for and recover from your biggest challenges. Build approaches for overcoming stress, managing reactions to difficult events, and leading more effectively.

VIEW COURSE
Compelling Executive Presence
Compelling Executive Presence
Compelling Executive Presence

Build your ability to connect with your audience and convey your ideas in a clear and resonant way. Create meaningful connections between you and your audience to build buy-in.

VIEW COURSE
Coaching for Impact
Plant Growing in a Hand
Coaching for Impact: Foundation Course

Coach employees for performance and development more effectively by helping them identify and pursue their own solutions. Create the right environment and conditions to help them grow.

VIEW COURSE
Building Personal Resilience
Boat at Sunset
Building Personal Resilience

Build the habits and learn the behaviors required to manage stress, deal with adversity, and maintain your physical and mental wellbeing. Personal resilience is a key to your ongoing success.

VIEW COURSE
Time Management Mastery
Watches
Time Management Mastery

Learn techniques to manage your time, delegate, say “no,” and be more efficient. Balance your limited supply of time with the overwhelming demands that are placed on you every day.

VIEW COURSE
previous arrow
next arrow

Books You MUST Read

The Elegant Pitch
One Piece of Paper by Mike Figliuolo
Lead Inside the Box
10 Stories Great Leaders Tell
Getting Ahead
Sell with a Story
Lead with a Story
Mastering Communication at Work
The Hook
Innovative Leadership Fieldbook
Innovative Leaders Guide to Transforming Organizations
The Three Commitments of Leadership
The Littlest Green Beret
Storytelling in the Land of Oz
The Camino Way
The Leader with a Thousand Faces
The Vision Code
The Most Unlikely Leader
The Leader with a Thousand Faces
The Art of Feminine Negotiation
Grow Your Spine & Manage Abrasive Leadership Behavior
Why Not Win?
Work-Life Bloom
Fast-Starting a Career of Consequence
Fast-Starting a Career of Consequence
The Elegant Pitch
One Piece of Paper by Mike Figliuolo
Lead Inside the Box
10 Stories Great Leaders Tell
Getting Ahead
Sell with a Story - Border
Lead with a Story
Leading from Your Best Self
Mastering Communication at Work
The Hook
Innovative Leadership Fieldbook
Innovative Leaders Guide to Transforming Organizations
20120318 Three Commitments
Leadership Vertigo
The Littlest Green Beret
Storytelling in the Land of Oz
The Camino Way
Hijacked by Your Brain
Outthink the Competition
Driving Innovation from Within
The Voice of the Underdog
The Vision Code
The Most Unlikely Leader
The Leader with a Thousand Faces
The Art of Feminine Negotiation
Grow Your Spine & Manage Abrasive Leadership Behavior
Why Not Win?
Work-Life Bloom
Fast-Starting a Career of Consequence
The Decision Switch
previous arrow
next arrow
  • The Elegant Pitch
  • The Vision Code
  • The Most Unlikely Leader
  • The Leader with a Thousand Faces
  • The Voice of the Underdog
  • The Art of Feminine Negotiation
  • Grow Your Spine & Manage Abrasive Leadership Behavior
  • Why Not Win?
  • Work-Life Bloom
  • Fast-Starting a Career of Consequence
  • The Decision Switch

Categories

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Our Course Offerings

Leadership Skills

Creating Your Leadership Maxims
Leading Inside the Box
Leading With Influence
Leading Through Change
Structured Problem Solving
Deliberate Decision Making
High Performing Teams
Simplified Strategic Planning
Strategic Business Planning
Coaching for Impact: Foundations
Coaching for Impact: Applications
Building Leadership Resilience
Engagement Management
Project Management Reality

Communication Skills

Communications: Foundations
Communications: Applications
Principles of Chart Design
Strategic Client Engagement
Storytelling for Leaders
Storytelling for Salespeople
Compelling Executive Presence
Advanced Facilitation Skills

Individual Skills

Conflict Resolution
Everything is Negotiable
thoughtLEADERSHIP: Innovation
Building Personal Resilience
Time Management Mastery

Coaching & Consulting

©2023 thoughtLEADERS, LLC: Leadership Training for the Real World. thoughtLEADERS, LLC is a registered trademark of thoughtLEADERS, LLC.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
How to Handle When Someone Else Takes Credit for Your Work Great Leaders Get Regular Reality Checks
Scroll to top