What Research & Evaluation Administrators Can Learn from Coach Staley's Winning Strategies

Since embarking on my journey in research/evaluation administration in 2021, I've uncovered inspiration and invaluable lessons from unexpected sources. Guided by the African Proverb, "She who learns, teaches," it's with great excitement that I launch my newsletter on LinkedIn, where I'll be sharing insights on Leadership Gems that transcend industries. And what better way to kick off this series than by spotlighting the dynamic leadership of Coach Dawn Staley, the esteemed head coach of the University of South Carolina's women's basketball team?!

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Legendary Coach Staley and the Lady Gamecocks for their remarkable achievements. An undefeated season and the National Championship - truly extraordinary!

The Lady Gamecocks' resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only brought glory to their institution but have also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders across diverse domains.

As we bask in the glow of South Carolina's triumphs, I am reminded of the profound impact that a leader can have on their team's success. Simply put, Coach Staley is a trailblazer. Her awe-inspiring accolades include several Coach of the Year titles, and she is the first Black coach to win three D1 Basketball Titles.

But what's the Connection between Coach Staley and Research/Evaluation Administration?

While the worlds of college basketball coaching and research/ evaluation administration may seem disparate, I firmly believe they share more similarities than meets the eye. For starters, Coach Staley is no stranger to the bread and butter of our field: data-informed decision-making. Her strategic decisions on the basketball court are informed by data, such as game statistics, player performance metrics, and opponent scouting reports. Like professionals in our field, she leverages these data to make informed decisions in real-time, optimizing her team's chances of success.

While Coach Staley exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities in guiding young individuals towards success both on and off the basketball court, research and evaluation administrators oversee and manage teams of skilled researchers and evaluators. These administrators play a pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating research endeavors, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of evaluation processes, and fostering a collaborative environment conducive to scholarly inquiry and analysis. Much like Coach Staley's mentorship fosters growth and achievement among student athletes, research and evaluation administrators are charged with cultivating an environment where rigorous inquiry and methodological excellence thrive, ultimately contributing to advancements in knowledge and practice across various fields.

Key Takeaways that Research & Evaluation Administrators Can Learn from Coach Staley's Winning Strategies

Drawing inspiration from Coach Staley's remarkable leadership, I've unearthed several invaluable insights that profoundly resonate with the role of research and evaluation administrators. In this inaugural edition, I aim to explore four key takeaways that offer actionable lessons for professionals in similar positions like mine.

Key Takeaway #1: Visionary and Inspirational Leadership

At the heart of Coach Staley's leadership style lies a vision that transcends mere goals; it's a source of inspiration that invokes a sense of shared purpose and ignites greatness. She embodies visionary leadership by painting a vibrant picture of success, fueling her team's passion and determination. For example, I love her practice of sharing Gameday Devotionals on her Instagram page—an act that not only uplifts team morale but also resonates with fans, fostering a community united in purpose. Research and evaluation administrators can draw inspiration from Coach Staley's visionary leadership. There is power in crafting a compelling vision that resonates with the aspirations of your team. By tapping into this shared sense of purpose, you empower your researchers and evaluators to pursue their boldest ambitions, driving transformative change.

Key Takeaway #2: Agile Strategic Planning

Coach Staley's strategic acumen shines through not only in her meticulous game planning but also in her expert-level management of halftime Q&A sessions with the media. These interactions provide a glimpse into her ability to analyze the competitions strengths and weaknesses on the fly, devise innovative strategies, and adapt her approach as circumstances evolve. Similarly, research and evaluation administrators need to understand the critical importance of strategic planning in steering our scholarly efforts. By aligning research initiatives with institutional priorities, judiciously leveraging available resources, and proactively anticipating future trends, you ensure that your research efforts remain focused, relevant, and impactful. Just as Coach Staley adjusts her game plan based on real-time insights, we must continuously refine our research and evaluation strategies to stay ahead of the curve and drive meaningful progress.

Key Takeaway #3: Centering Team Development

Coach Staley's dedication to the comprehensive growth of her players extends well beyond their performance on the court. She actively fosters strong relationships, cultivates a culture of trust and collaboration, and nurtures the personal and professional development of each team member. In her interview with the Breakfast Club in April 2022, she highlighted her efforts to maintain strong connections not only with her players but also with their families and loved ones. Additionally, she ensures that they have access to the necessary resources for success, both on and off the court. For instance, she facilitated connections between her players and their families with agents to navigate the industry effectively. Her approach resonated with me deeply because I also prioritize team development as a fundamental aspect of my leadership strategy. It's important to me to build strong relationships with each of my team members and learn about their unique strengths, areas of growth, and goals. By fostering an environment of support and inclusivity within our research team, offering mentorship and opportunities for professional growth, and fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie, research and evaluation administrators can empower their researchers and evaluators to realize their full potential and excel in their professional pursuits.

Key Takeaway #4: Be Authentic

Coach Staley's commitment to authenticity shines through in her coaching approach, as she emphasizes the importance of genuine and effective communication with her players. In numerous interviews, Coach Staley has articulated the value of authenticity. By remaining true to herself and her values, she cultivates open dialogue, fosters trust, and builds strong interpersonal connections with her players. In the same way, research and evaluation directors can employ a similar strategy with their teams. Authenticity is a fundamental attribute for research and evaluation administrators, as it builds trust, fosters effective communication, creates a positive work environment, encourages innovation, and strengthens relationships - all of which enhance project outcomes.

As I reflect on the transformative impact of Coach Staley's leadership, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable lessons she has imparted. I invite my esteemed LinkedIn colleagues to join me in embracing these insights and applying them to our respective roles, particularly those that lead research and evaluation teams. Together, let us strive to cultivate environments where visionary leadership, agile strategic planning, team development, and authenticity converge to propel our teams to new heights of success.

Which lesson resonates most with you? What lesson would you add to the list? Chime off in the comments!