The art of leadership in coxing

When thinking about the role of a cox, the first traits that pop into most people’s minds are steering and talking. However, one of the most vital roles that the cox plays is actually that of leadership, which is pivotal in shaping crew dynamics.

Below we outline four aspects of leadership that we at WOX think are critical to master in order to develop as a cox. We work tirelessly on these ourselves at every training session, and we credit the improvements we have made in our own coxing styles to channeling such leadership strategies.

Be adaptable

Every crew is different. The adage ‘one size fits all’ certainly does not apply. This ultimately keeps coxing interesting, as you’re constantly learning.

In the context of leadership, some crews may already have natural leaders in the boat, while others will need a voice to guide and unify them.

Recognising that you’re going to be working with diverse personalities and potentially nine other leaders (crew and coach) is the first step towards building an effective leadership style. The second step is adapting to these personalities. This will change dependent on the crew but, for example, this could be taking on a more facilitative role, whereby you ensure that all nine voices are heard or, in contrast, taking a central role in setting goals and expectations.

Earn mutual respect

There’s always a fine line between just being commanding and being both commanding and respected for it.

A core part of being a good leader within the crew is leading by example. Being an athlete takes a huge level of commitment and dedication and, as a cox, you can demonstrate this on and off the water. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to do all the physical training with your rowers – although
this gesture will definitely contribute. Leading by example also involves being the voice that guides them through a hard stint of training.

Consequently, your crew will see that you’re fully invested in the improvement of each individual athlete and, therefore, the success of the crew.

Have confidence in your communication

Communication skills are undoubtably an essential leadership trait for a cox to have, but the way you deliver your words can have as much, if not more, impact than the words themselves. A truly leading cox should be able to convey clear, concise, and confident instructions to the crew at all times.

For us at WOX, communicating confidently in the coxing seat was enhanced by expanding our knowledge, whether that was understanding technique, rigging, or a thorough understanding of the session plan.

I think it’s important to acknowledge that you don’t need to have all the answers, but putting in work to constantly improve will once again foster trust and respect from your crew, and when you speak with confidence your crew will look to you as their leader.

Bring your personality into the boat

Above all, being able to bring your personality into the boat will help you to become the best leader you can be. Athletes respond better to authenticity, and that’s why we are so passionate about coxes finding their authentic voice at WOX.

In the context of leadership, finding your authentic voice involves taking the time to understand the athletes in front of you. Understanding an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations can come down to observing them on and off the water, taking the time to actively listen to them, or asking for feedback from them so that you can adjust your coxing style to them.

Ultimately, combining all four of these leadership traits will enable you to bring out the best in your crew and the best in yourself.

You can find more from WOX on Instagram or YouTube @thewinningcox

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