Leadership Lessons: Coach Tim Carter

Along the way, some people are in your life for a season and a reason. Coach Tim Carter is in my life for a reason. He is an unsung hero in our game for many reasons, but more than that he is always willing to serve. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a zoom meeting and picking Coach Carter’s brain about his journey. Here’s a few nuggets below that Coach Carter shared with us. Chester Nichols (CN): What would you tell your younger self? Tim Carter (TC): Whatever you are good at, never stop doing it (especially when you become a head coach). A lot of times when head coaches get the job and forget what got them the job… It can hurt you in the long run. CN: What are some of the biggest challenges that leaders face today?

TC: Trying to be too politically correct. Not focusing on what you are really good at. Hiring the wrong people, too many times people get into the habit of hiring friends and not bringing in the right person for the job. Be careful about hiring friends, in most cases it never works out. CN: First 30 days on the Job? TC: Knowing who’s around your program and who has influence over your kids. This is a huge challenge in itself. I talked to everyone who touched our program, and we discussed our goals/objectives. When I met with my players individually and the first question I would ask each one of them “What do you want me to know about you, that no one else knows but you and I?” I wanted to get to know them as quickly as they would allow me. Get with your players quickly as possible, because you may lose half of your before you arrive on campus