Rewind to 1985 in Storrs, CT. The AD told the UCONN women, "I'm going to find the best woman basketball coach available." The players responded, "Why can't you find us the best available coach?" The answer? Geno Auriemma, now with eleven national titles.
Coaches succeed when adding value and getting buy-in. Invite players in with collaboration, connection, and curiosity.
Chuck Daly said, "I'm a salesman." He understood that without players buying in, success was impossible.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson's father said, "It's not enough to be right. You have to be effective."
Sara Blakely says, "Make it. Sell it. Build brand awareness." Her brand, Spanx, is worth five billion dollars.
Don't sell the past. Last season is over. Be intentional, clear, and authentic.
Buy in relates to:
- Adding value
- Credibility in delivering individual and team improvement
- Developing relationships
- Modeling excellence in work ethic of preparation, practice, and teaching
- Communicating honestly
Think hard about your opening meeting with players and families. Be prepared for tough questions and anticipate the obvious ones.
- What's your coaching philosophy?
- How do you decide playing time?
- What if my child misses practice?
- What's your policy on discussion with parents?
- What are your expectations for the team?
"When the facts are on your side, pitch a question." - Dan Pink
Dan Pink informs three key questions:
- What do you want the other side to know?
- What do you want the other side to feel?
- What do you want the other side to do?
Build Relationships: Establish a strong rapport with your athletes or team members. Take the time to understand their individual needs, strengths, and goals. Show genuine interest in their development both as athletes and individuals.
Effective Communication: Clearly articulate your coaching philosophy, goals, and expectations. Explain the rationale behind your strategies and decisions. Encourage open and honest communication, and be receptive to feedback from your athletes. Keep the lines of communication open and transparent.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values and behaviors you expect from your team. Model a strong work ethic, discipline, and sportsmanship. Show dedication, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. When athletes see your commitment, they are more likely to buy into your coaching methods.
Set Meaningful Goals: Collaborate with your athletes to set individual and team goals that are challenging yet attainable. Involve them in the goal-setting process to create a sense of ownership and commitment. Ensure that the goals align with the team's overall vision.
Establish a Vision: Develop a clear vision for the team's success and communicate it effectively. Help athletes understand the bigger picture and how their individual roles contribute to the team's goals. Paint a compelling vision that inspires and motivates them to give their best effort.
Provide Individualized Feedback: Offer constructive and personalized feedback to each athlete. Recognize their achievements and progress, while also addressing areas for improvement. Tailor your coaching approach to each individual's learning style and motivation.
Create a Positive Team Culture: Foster a supportive and inclusive team environment. Encourage teamwork, mutual respect, and collaboration. Emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and celebrating successes together.
Develop Competence: Provide quality coaching, instruction, and training. Help athletes develop their skills and improve their performance through well-designed practices and training sessions. When athletes see tangible progress, they are more likely to trust and buy into your coaching methods.
Emphasize Development and Growth: Focus on the long-term development and growth of your athletes, both on and off the field. Encourage continuous learning, resilience, and a growth mindset. Help them see the value of the process and the journey rather than solely focusing on outcomes.
Address Individual Needs: Recognize that each athlete is unique and has different motivations and learning styles. Adapt your coaching techniques and strategies to meet the individual needs of your athletes. Show empathy and understanding, and provide the necessary support to help them thrive.
Remember that building buy-in is an ongoing process. It requires consistency, trust, and patience. By implementing these strategies, coaches can increase the likelihood of athletes embracing their coaching methods and fully committing to their development and success.