👨🏫 COACHES' MINDSET GUIDE
Leadership and Teaching
● OBJECTIVE: To determine your perception of your coaches and promote open communication
Which coach is most involved/interested in your athletic career? (think most about this coach)
Take some time ALONE to fill out the questionnaire (be as honest as you can)
📋Part 1: Your Coach(es)
Answer YES or NO to each question:
It's difficult to meet their expectations of me
They always expect me to win/do well
They expect me to be the best at just about everything
Their standards for me are higher than my own
They get mad/disappointed when I am less than perfect
They have a problem with me when I make mistakes
⚠️ Answering YES to ANY of these questions puts you at risk to perform less than your best.
The best athletes trust their coaches, while simultaneously remaining unafraid of letting them down. Many athletes underachieve because of a poor relationship and understanding with their coach(es).
Your assignment is to review this questionnaire with your coach(es). This is not an easy thing to do, but open communication about this topic is crucial for competing with a clear mind, and peace of mind in general.
📝 Note to coaches:
It is assumed that everyone has good intentions for the athlete. This is meant to be educational and enlightening, not frustrating or degrading to you or the athlete.
These yes/no answers do not have as much to do with reality as they do your athlete's perception of reality. Their perception of reality is, in essence, their mindset. Their mindset will not change if their perception of reality does not change.
Together with your athlete, it is important to have open communication about these issues. Understanding, care, self-knowledge, reflection, honesty, and admitting when you are wrong is important for both parties to improve.
💬Part 2: Communication Preferences
1. What my coach does that helps me mentally:
[ Write your answer here ]
2. What my coach does that inadvertently hurts me mentally:
[ Write your answer here ]
3. How would I prefer my coach to critique me:
4. How would I prefer my coach to treat me before a match/during a tournament:
5. How would I prefer my coach to deal with me after a match:
🔮Part 3: Moving Forward
Remember, you can only change yourself. This assignment was designed to promote enlightenment and honest communication between the athlete and their coach(es). Although your coach may (or may not be) more self-aware of their impact on you the athlete, never expect them to change. Always put the responsibility on yourself.
1. Do you think anything will change in the future? Why or Why not:
[ Write your thoughts here ]
2. If things remain the same, which in all probability they will, how will you deal more effectively with your coach(es):
[ Write your strategy here ]
OPEN COMMUNICATION IS KEY!
The best athletic relationships are built on honest, open communication. Understanding your preferences and your coach's approach creates the foundation for peak performance. Remember: it's not about changing others—it's about taking responsibility for how you respond and communicate your needs.
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