What's My Role?
The Player, Player/Coach, Coach framework is often used to describe different roles and levels of involvement in entrepreneurship and leadership. Here's an explanation of each role:
1. Player
In the context of entrepreneurship, a "player" is someone who is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business. They are often the founders or early employees who are deeply immersed in the core activities of the company, such as product development, sales, or service delivery. Players are primarily focused on executing tasks, making decisions, and directly contributing to the company's growth and success.
2. Player / Coach
A "player / coach" is someone who not only plays an active role in the business but also takes on a coaching or mentoring role within the organization. They often lead by example, sharing their expertise and knowledge with their team members. This role involves balancing hands-on work with guiding and developing the skills of others. Player / Coaches are instrumental in training and nurturing talent within their company.
3. Coach
A "coach" is typically a more senior figure in the organization, often someone who has moved away from the day-to-day operations and focuses on the bigger picture. They provide strategic guidance, leadership, and mentorship to the management team and employees. Coaches are less involved in the daily execution of tasks and more focused on setting a vision, aligning the team, and ensuring the company's long-term success.
Agility
These roles are not fixed and can evolve as a business grows. Many successful entrepreneurs start as Players, then become Player/Coaches as their companies expand and require them to mentor and manage a team. Finally, some transition into the Coach role, especially as they build a strong leadership team to handle the operational aspects. I’ve seen many leaders flow between each role, back and forth throughout their business venture.
In summary, the choice of which role to adopt at a given time often depends on the stage of the business, the entrepreneur's strengths, and the evolving needs of the company. Successful entrepreneurs are often versatile and capable of adapting to these different roles as their enterprises develop. It can be challenging to know when to transition between roles and what your business needs from you in the moment.
Asking these Questions Can Help You Clarify
What role does the business require from me right now? This month?
What am I uniquely good at?
What do I want to do?
Am I willing to train someone to take my current role?
What’s my timeline or long-term plan for my next stage?