Written by When did you last take the time to provide positive feedback to your athletes? Was it last week, month, or year? Have you ever provided positive feedback as you are always “hard” on your athletes? Providing positive feedback, saying great job or thank you to an athlete may just make the difference in their day. This compliment does not cost you or your coaching staff any money, time, or energy. Providing positive feedback shows that you value the athlete, reinforces their efforts, and builds confidence and trust.
Reflect on your time as an athlete when a coach or teammate took the time to tell you that they appreciated your efforts. Don’t you remember how good that made you feel and how willing you were to work that much harder and longer? I am sure you can recount several instances of this.
I am also sure you can remember the many times you were chastised, yelled at, belittled, ignored, isolated, or demeaned about how you were poorly performing, made a mistake, or even how an error was made. You probably were upset, maybe a little depressed, spent some time collecting your thoughts, and spending time slowly building yourself up.
I have failed too many times in my life to count or remember, but I do remember a coach who took the time to provide positive feedback after a bad race or game. It meant so much that this one person took the time to be positive when me and the team were waiting for a tongue lashing. This coach then took the time to provide some of his similar failures that he had to endure when he was an athlete. At that moment, I knew I was in a great organizational culture and a quality team. I was immediately ready for the next practice and for whatever would be thrown at me because of a positive comment that one person said.
Take a moment, before the end of the week to thank the people that work so hard around you: fellow coaches, athletes, teammates, support and front office staff, and anybody who is involved in your sports organization…which also includes those who help you take on your professional life: spouse, children, family, friends, mentors, and those you interact with. It only takes a few seconds and will not only change how they feel but will create a better culture and environment for those you encounter.