Coaching lessons surround us...if we're open to seeing them. The 1993 comedy, "Dave" shares an abundance of valuable lessons and standards.
"I want you to do this because it's the right thing to do."
The authentic President violates every principle of integrity in the interest of politics. He's the antithesis of principled. For him, it's all about him.
Be willing to help.
The Secret Service tells Dave they need him as a double for the President for the good of the country.
Fake it until you make it.
We sometimes lack the skills or the experience to execute a tough job. Leverage our skills to upgrade our capabilities and succeed.
Be adaptable.
Dave has to "become" instead of impersonate the President. He has to grow rapidly into a job that requires him to navigate waters he has never even imagined.
Play the part.
In his "day job," he acts as a celebrity impersonator. Sometimes leaders feel the weight of "imposter syndrome," feeling underserving of the assignment. Dave works on mastery.
Surround yourself with capable people.
Dave literally is in the midst of a palace coup. He enlists assistance from a trusted friend and earns the respect of his Secret Service.
Keep learning (his entourage administers training)
Dave knows nothing about tripartite government or how the Executive functions. He gets a crash course and gets up to speed.
Everyone won't like you. Deal with it.
He quickly learns that there is plenty of opposition (and support) in Washington. He's developing a thicker skin while in the job.
Authenticity helps - if you're not a jerk
Authenticity cuts multiple ways. If you're authentically selfish, lazy, and soft, others see it. But if you're intrinsically honest, kind, and a sharer, you gain allies.
"When you hurt someone intentionally, that is not a mistake."
He's caught up in forces beyond his control, sometimes ignorant of policy that would offend anyone's sensitivity. His action or inaction harms a cause of The First Lady, who calls him out. He learns more about the issue and becomes a problem solver, stepping on toes.
Resource management is on you.
Dave quickly understands, "The buck stops here" and the 'lightweight' learns that he can throw his weight around via title and power.
Public relations matters
Leaders may be 'performative' - shaking hands and kissing babies. His humanity and sincerity shine through in how he treats others.
Share.
In the White House kitchen, he prepares a midnight snack, an oversized sandwich. He cuts it in half and shares with his Secret Service agent (Ving Rhames), who sits down to eat with him.
Have a big picture plan.
Dave's 'handlers' in the palace coup have a plan, but Dave has other ideas. He genuinely has the interest of the country at heart, despite being an unelected imposter.
Develop new ideas
In his day job (employment agency), he sees the joy and fulfillment of clients who get work. In a classic "Chekhov's Gun" moment, he proposes a National Employment Act, seeking full employment.
"You don't know how much you can do until you stand up and decide to try."
Coaches have enormous influence as teachers, mentors, and leaders. Understand how one person can make a world of difference.
Be worthy.
"Dave, I would have taken a bullet for you."
The 'job' of leadership has many parts - student, teacher, decision maker, advocate, judge, 'director', etc. Embrace Dave's genuine decency, capacity for growth, and integrity.
Find the coaching and leadership lessons that inhabit everyday life.
Lagniappe. Gregg Popovic says, "Don't ask for minutes. Make me play you." JVG tells players to take a hard look in the mirror (sound quality fair).
“Stupid, soft, selfish”! Every parent that complains about PT, Every “inner ⭕️ ” guy that sites politics, & every player that says “coach hate me” should all take a hard look at where they might rate in these areas before anything else. https://t.co/CC9BAfuQHJ
— Skip Yenchik (@s2y2) July 13, 2026
