Last week, we discussed what development means to LEAD Center For Youth, emphasizing our commitment to nurturing Black boys in Metropolitan Atlanta through deliberate effort. Development, as we define it, is the Deliberate Effort to Value and Empower Learners to Obtain Personal Mastery and Excellence through Nurturing Training.
This week, we delve into how we Value and Empower Learners.
Empowerment Through Responsibility and Authority
At LEAD, empowering learners means giving them responsibility and authority. Recently, during a LEAD Ambassador practice led by our Ambassador Head Coach Desmond Stegall, I witnessed our Black boys being empowered during batting practice at our LEAD Center For Youth indoor training facility.
After warming up on their own, they divided into their own hitting groups using our three tunnels and Swing Away Machine station. They executed their drills independently for 30 minutes before our coaches joined them for the next 30-minute block. In our performance games, we often have our Ambassadors play without traditional first base and third base coaches, further empowering them to take control.
The Value of Empowerment
We empower our boys because they are incredibly valuable. Identified as young Black boys with the potential to become strong Black men, Major League Players, and Major League Citizens, they receive the combined support of their families, supporters, and LEAD.
While we cannot serve all Black boys in Atlanta through baseball due to limited time, energy, and resources, those who wear the Ambassador logo are deemed the most valuable to our year-round programming from Metro Atlanta.
Learning Styles and Leadership
Kelli and I believe that to be a great leader, one must first be a great learner. Auditory, kinesthetic, and visual are three top learning styles. My dominant learning style is visual, and in my 25-plus years of professional coaching, I have learned to assess my players’ learning styles and coach them accordingly.
This skill development stems from valuing my players. I don’t know everything about coaching, but I want to learn and encourage Black boys to love learning.
Next week, we will break down our development definition focusing on Obtaining Personal Mastery and Excellence.
Remember, this definition belongs to LEAD and cannot be used without our written permission.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.
If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.
