Poor Little Rich Coach

From Coach to Student of Positive Coaching (revised 1/30/2008)

Coaches are an interesting bunch. With the exception of a few coaches like Bill Belichick--New England Patriots--most don't stike me as too bright or talented. In my time as an althlete, I remember just one coach that seemed to embody everything that the Postive Coaching Alliance aims to achieve.

A recent conversation with another coach has insipred my to reflect on coaches as learners. I believe most coaches need to re-learn how to motivate players using tools provided by PCA. The problem is that most coaches don't take the time to become students again. They latch onto the tools and forms and continue to focus exclusively on skills. I recently reviewed a Positve Chart document created by my coaching friend following his game. It completely focused on physical skills to the complete exlucusion of anything to do with sportsmanship, teambuilding, fair play, etc. When I called him on this me told me that he "closely" follows the suggestions of PCA.

Well, like I said, coaches are not the smartest bunch. So, as you journey forward, don't be like my coach friend. Instead, be like Bill Belichick and be a student of the PCA games. Spend some time learning the specific suggestions and avoid the tendency to do a superfical review. Just because you have the forms this does not mean that you are applying the principles and concepts.

Bye for now,
mills

posted by Mills @ 6:53 AM