Coaching and Leading Like a Disney Princess: Empowering Others to Shine

I recently returned from a magical trip to Disney World and found myself incredibly inspired when reflecting on storytelling and narrative of Disney characters. Leadership takes on two dramatically different faces: the inspiring princess and the manipulative villain. While both characters charismatically capture our imagination, their approaches to leadership couldn't be more contrasting.

In the world of sports, effective leadership is not about commanding the spotlight—it’s about creating space for others to thrive. Disney princesses are iconic for their ability to lead with grace, inspire those around them, and build relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and collaboration. As coaches and directors, we can learn from these heroines to foster a culture where every athlete, coach, and stakeholder feels valued, supported, and empowered to shine.

Disney Villains, in stark contrast, operate from a place of ego and isolation. They're masters of manipulation, offering tantalizing shortcuts to power but ultimately creating division. Ursula promises Ariel her heart's desire through a deceptive contract, while Gaston seeks to dominate through intimidation and self-aggrandizement. Their leadership is transactional – always with a hidden cost. The key difference lies in their fundamental approach to others.

At the core of this "princess mindset" is the belief that true leadership means lifting others up. It’s about recognizing that strength lies not in standing alone but in cultivating a team where each person contributes their unique gifts to the collective success. Just as Cinderella believed in the power of kindness to transform lives or Moana rallied her community to embrace a bold new journey, sports leaders must inspire confidence, resilience, and creativity in those they lead.

However, leadership doesn’t stop at inspiration—it also requires action. A Disney princess doesn’t merely hope others will succeed; she creates opportunities for them to grow and step into their potential. This is where collaboration becomes vital. When coaches and directors empower their players, assistant coaches, and peers, they create an environment where everyone can feel ownership of their role, contribute their best, and take pride in the team’s collective achievements.

To lead like a princess is to embrace shared leadership. It’s about letting others take the stage when the moment is right, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. By trusting others to step into the light, you build a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility—a culture where success is celebrated as a team and every individual is motivated to reach for their full potential.

5 Ways to Lead Like a Disney Princess 👑

1. Celebrate Individual Strengths: Just as Belle sees the hidden potential in the Beast, coaches and directors can recognize and nurture the unique talents of every athlete and staff member.

• Build individualized development plans tailored to each athlete’s strengths and goals.

• Publicly acknowledge contributions, whether it’s a player’s game-winning assist or an assistant coach’s innovative training idea.

2. Create Opportunities for Leadership: Like Anna in Frozen, who rallies a kingdom to support Elsa, empower others to take the reins in ways that foster confidence and trust.

• Encourage athletes to lead warm-ups, team talks, or specific drills during practice.

• Give staff ownership over key responsibilities, allowing them to develop as leaders while contributing to the program’s success.

3. Promote Collaboration Over Competition: Just as Rapunzel brought together unlikely allies to achieve her dream, prioritize teamwork over rivalry.

• Teach athletes to recognize and celebrate each other’s efforts, rather than competing for individual attention or praise.

• Foster collaboration among coaching staff by encouraging idea-sharing and joint problem-solving sessions.

4. Embrace Vulnerability: Like Elsa in Frozen, who learns that true strength comes from being authentic, lead with openness and humility.

• Admit when you don’t have all the answers and seek input from players and staff.

• Share your own growth journey to model resilience and a growth mindset.

5. Model Generosity and Support: Like Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, who works tirelessly to uplift those around her, create a culture of support and encouragement.

• Teach athletes to lift each other up, especially during tough moments, by celebrating small victories and acts of perseverance.

• As a director, ensure your staff feels valued by providing regular feedback, professional development opportunities, and public recognition for their contributions.

The Princess vs. Villain Leadership Showdown 🌟 vs. 🦹‍♀️

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Self-Centered Leadership

A villain in the Disney universe often represents the antithesis of collaboration—selfishness, ego, and the need for control. Villains like Ursula, the Evil Queen, and Scar focus on their own power and diminish the contributions of others to maintain dominance. In sports environments, this kind of leadership manifests as:

• Micromanaging athletes and staff, leaving them feeling stifled or undervalued.

• Favouring certain players or staff members, creating division within the team.

• Overemphasizing personal accolades (like a coach’s win record) at the expense of the team’s growth and well-being.

Avoiding these pitfalls requires consistent self-reflection and a commitment to the values embodied by Disney princesses: kindness, empathy, courage, and the belief that everyone’s light can shine without dimming your own.

The Real Magic? Empowerment 🔮

When you empower others to step into their strengths, you unlock the full potential of your team or program. Athletes who feel trusted and supported play with confidence and passion. Assistant coaches who are empowered to lead bring fresh ideas and energy to your program. Parents and stakeholders who feel included and valued become loyal supporters.

Leading like a princess isn’t about relinquishing authority—it’s about redefining it. It’s about recognizing that when you empower others to shine, you don’t lose your own light—you magnify it. By fostering a culture of shared success, collaboration, and mutual respect, you create an environment where everyone feels like a hero or … Princess.