Question via Twitter: Collaborative Coaching
@CurlingTips how do you get a #coach to take suggestions who think there way is the best way?
— Kali Samagalski (@kali_syncurl)
January 22, 2015
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Hi Kali,
Many thanks for your question! The relationship between team and coach can be a huge competitive advantage when everyone is on the same page. Let's see if we can generate some ideas on how to move forward with your coach.
It sounds as though you are looking to have a more collaborative relationship with your coach. If this is what you feel you need to succeed, then it is absolutely important for your success. It's as simple as that. There are countless ways to approach coaching a team. One thing is for certain, whatever the approach is, it must make sense to both the players and the coach.
First, you must identify what feels limiting to you. This could be any number of things and only you (and possibly your teammates) will know what it is. Be specific in your identification of the issue at hand. For example: "I feel it would benefit the team if we were able to plan practices with our coach, so that we can focus on specific skills that we think need improvement." If it's more than one thing, be sure to define them all clearly. Even better, take the time to write them down! You'll remember the specifics and it'll be a good reference later on.
Secondly, set a time aside to meet with your coach. I recommend meeting away from your curling facility, at your favorite coffee shop or cafe. Choose a relaxed atmosphere that will put everyone at ease; we're working on solving the problem here and a light atmosphere keeps conversation light as well. Have a set amount of time for the meeting, as this will keep the meeting moving forward. Maybe you won't solve it all in a day, however you're setting the gears in motion- this is a great first step!
Third, have an open and honest conversation with your coach. Have confidence that you're doing the right thing here, and know that any unaddressed issues are useless distractions that can take away from your team's goals. Talking out any non-ideal situations is the first step in solving your problems and it'll enable you to move forward and focus on what's important- your curling! Exercising your ability to address what is bothering you is a winning way, and one that will further your success.
During your meeting with your teammates and coach, set up a protocol that you will use in the future. Say, if you'd want a more collaborative practice planning routine, one way you could do this is by setting the protocol that your team will meet with your coach after every practice (or over email) and each teammate can add in one thing that they are feeling confident about and one thing they'd like themselves or the team to improve on. From there, your coach can form a plan for the next few practices, making sure to work in each recommendation.
Remember, your coach wants to see you succeed! Coaches might not always say or do things in the perfect way for you- after all, they're human too- however, they mean well for you. The best coaches will listen to their players and make the effort to speak each player's "language." One way you can help your coach communicate with you is by communicating with them! Just as they give you feedback, you can also give them feedback- it's a two way street. This isn't always easy, however it's the best way to get the most out of your preparation time.
If you're met with resistance from your coach, make sure to stay calm and confident. Usually resistance is a knee-jerk reaction of the ego; we all have feelings and sometimes they get hurt. Once your coach realizes you mean well and that he/she is not under attack, they'll listen to what you're saying. Talk things through with your coach, keep it light and positive, state what you need and come to a solution that works for both of you. I promise that once you make the effort and reach out, things will improve in time!
Good curling to you, and good luck! - Empowered Curling (@CurlingTips)