When Coaching and the Boss Call

Grant Heston | January 22, 2024

Many thanks to The Chronicle of Higher Education for publishing this anecdote last week in the "Daily Briefing." I shared it in response to a call for stories about parenting in higher ed.

This photo recently popped up as a Facebook memory from when I coached Little League baseball and softball for my son and daughter. To get to practices and games with enough time to set up, I’d leave the office at 3 p.m. twice a week.

I’d feel so guilty leaving early. It really bothered me. I didn’t exactly sneak out of the office, but I didn’t always use the front door, either.

Looking back, I realize I had it wrong: I shouldn’t have felt guilty, I should have felt grateful. Grateful for colleagues who covered for me on afternoons I left early. Grateful for a vice president who supported me and encouraged my work-life balance.

And grateful for a university president with a sense of humor and perspective.

One day, I had changed into my coaching gear and was in my car leaving campus when I was called into a meeting. With no time to change, I vividly remember my ears burning red as I, a youngish AVP, walked into a room full of seasoned university leadership.

Before I could explain myself, the president looked at me — paused for dramatic effect — and said: "Put me in, coach! I’ll play first base!"

Today, my goal as a leader is to pay that kindness forward as I encourage colleagues to balance their work and personal lives. Especially opportunities with young children … because those won’t come again.