When Coaching and the Boss Call

Grant J. Heston writes about higher education branding, communications and leadership.

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 my office at the University of Central Florida (UCF) 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 that UCF’s president had 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 UCF 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.

Grant J. Heston worked at the University of Central Florida (UCF) from 2007 to 2019.