The Bench Is Still Part of the Court
There’s something powerful about watching a game from the bench.
Not because it’s where the action isn’t happening, but because of what you learn while you’re waiting your turn.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the deep connections between sports and leadership. The structure. The strategy. The team dynamics. The high stakes. It’s all leadership in motion. But the piece we often ignore—the space that gets overlooked, underappreciated, and misunderstood—is the bench.
The bench is still part of the court. Always has been.
It may not come with the lights, the applause, or the instant gratification. But it holds a kind of wisdom that only time and perspective can offer. It’s where coaches trust, players reflect, and future moments are born. And in leadership, the bench represents those seasons when you’re not at the forefront—when your voice isn’t the loudest, your name isn’t in the headlines, or your next step is still unclear.
But here's the deeper truth: the bench is not a place of absence. It’s a place of presence. Purposeful presence.
Think about it—some of the most critical growth in leadership doesn’t happen when we’re executing. It happens when we’re observing. When we’re learning the rhythm. Watching the play unfold. Listening instead of talking. Supporting instead of performing. The bench becomes a sacred space for recalibration.
Too often, we rush the process. We treat waiting seasons as punishment. But what if the bench is exactly where you’re supposed to be right now?
To develop your voice before you use it.
To build trust with your team before you lead them.
To heal from burnout before stepping into something new.
To clarify your purpose, so your next move aligns with who you truly are.
We spend so much time pushing people to be “in the game”—to take the lead, to be seen, to perform. But leadership isn’t just about the spotlight. It’s also about what you do when you’re not on the floor. What energy you bring when you're waiting. What posture you hold when you're watching others succeed. How you pour into your teammates, even if you're not taking the shot.
The bench teaches:
Resilience – because it’s not a punishment, it’s a pause.
Vision – because seeing the full court helps you lead differently when you’re back in it.
Support – because leaders who only know how to lead from the front miss the value of influence from the sideline.
Whether you’re a coach, an executive, or an emerging leader—you will have bench moments. Seasons where you’re preparing behind the scenes, not because you’re not good enough, but because you’re being developed for what’s next.
Let’s stop treating the bench like it’s a failure. It’s part of the court for a reason.
Leadership isn't only about being in play. It’s about being in position. And that can happen anywhere on the court—even on the bench.
So, if you’re in a season where you feel unseen, underutilized, or in transition, I want to remind you: the bench is still sacred ground. Don’t dismiss the view from here. It’s shaping your vision for when you’re back in the game.
Because when done right, time on the bench sharpens your leadership, strengthens your clarity, and deepens your self-awareness. And that? That’s championship-level development.
Call to Action:
This week, take a moment to name your “bench season.” What are you learning in the waiting? Who are you becoming in the stillness? Choose to engage this space with intention. Because when the game calls you back in, you won’t just return—you’ll return with purpose, clarity, and impact.
