Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Sometimes you’ll encounter an athlete who doesn’t see things the same way, so how do you confront that?
Key Points:
- Bring some duct tape to your next conversation. This doesn’t mean actual duct tape. It simply means to speak less, but be more aware of what you are saying.
- Conversations without “duct tape” aren’t very effective. When you come at the conversation like this, your athlete may start to play the victim. They’ll feel like you are singling them out and being harder on them than the rest of the team. This can lead to a spirit of resentment towards you as a coach.
- Conversations with duct tape are more effective. Don’t let your athletes off easy by doing all the talking. Ask questions that are going to help them process why what they did isn’t acceptable and why they need to take ownership for their actions.
Quote This:
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. – John Wooden
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How do you typically respond when someone lectures you? Are you guilty of doing this with your players?
- In what areas are your athletes failing to take ownership? Why?
- Is there something you could be doing differently to help your athletes take ownership? What is it? If not, what are you doing well that helps teach your athletes to take ownership?
- Think of some questions you can use to have a conversation with an athlete who isn’t taking ownership. Why have you chosen these questions?
- How can using a series of questions help you to better understand your athletes? What can your questions communicate to your players?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
