Written by As an athlete, I had many coaches who just expected athletes to trust them because they were the coach. I also had coaches who showed that they deserved trust. The coaches that showed or proved their trustworthiness were also the ones who started off the coach and athlete relationship by wholly trusting the athlete. Even at a young age, I quickly saw how instilling trust in an athlete was empowering and impactful.
As I started coaching, when I was in my early teens, I began emulating what I learned from these coaches but did not know the “why behind” what this thought process was of fully trusting the athlete. I just assumed it was what I was supposed to do because I liked that coaching style. Those coaches led successful athletes, teams, and organizations and I liked their methods, so I assumed that I should just copy them.
However, I later learned that trust is essential to the success of the organization. This trust must start at the top of the organization and come down:
The organization has trust and confidence in the head coach.
The head coach has faith and trust in the assistant coaches and support staff.
The coaching staff trust in all of the athletes and the team.
The athletes and team trust the coaches and support staff.
The athletes trust each other.
And ultimately, all of this trust going around gives each individual the trust and self confidence that they need for themselves. If an athlete begins to trust themselves, their thoughts, emotions, and actions, this will lead to the athlete becoming cognizant of their own abilities, communicating more with other athletes and coaches, builds confidence, opens themselves to be willing to learn, and is more willing to take risks. While all risk taking does not have positive results, it helps athletes to continue to learn and feel that they are in a safe environment to do so.
Having an organization and team that fully trusts each other is a recipe for success. Trusting athletes, that also feel trusted, are willing to open up, ask questions, express concerns, and will also provide input to other athletes, the team, and the coaches. This will help athletes and the team improve in their individual and team performance, not only with technique or endurance, but with the athlete and team cohesion, becoming smarter, even more trusting, informed, and even resilient athletes.