Coaching Principles

How to Use Athletic Coaching Principles to Improve Staff Performance

How Do Athletic Coaching Principles Differ From Typical Business Coaching?

Coaching is important to both the “player” and the coach, but some techniques differ in the athletic and business worlds. There are also numerous similarities and parallels. The ultimate goal – winning – is always the same. The map directions, however, to reach this destination, can be a bit different.

Most business coaching involves teaching and information dispensation. Sports coaching, which includes hours of teaching, information dispersal, and repetition, typically contains three additional areas of concentration:

  1. Consistent positive reinforcement (even when some areas of performance need to be improved).
  2. Constant reminders that the team is more important than the individual.
  3. Intensive commitment to focus only on the goal at hand, not some undefined statement of success.

These three additional components often make the difference between winning and losing. Some of the most famous and successful coaches of all time, e.g. Vince Lombardi (Green Bay Packers), John Wooden (UCLA Bruins), Red Auerbach (Boston Celtics), Earl Weaver (Baltimore Orioles), and Bill Belichick (New England Patriots), have vastly different personalities and styles. However, their dedication and focus on team and goal achievement are unparalleled.

How to Use Sports Coaching Theory to Improve Performance

It is important to remember that while sports and business coaching principles are sound and proven, there is never a guarantee you or they will be successful at all times. Never become discouraged if you’re sincere, dedicated, and committed to implementing effective coaching principles. Consider adding one or more of these sports coaching tips to your business management arsenal.

  • Use the “sandwich” theory to improve individual performance. Here’s how it works: Your player/employee is not performing in one area. Instead of using the “praise in public, criticize in private” method, think of at least two areas in which he/she is performing well. Have a chat, starting with praise for one area in which they excel. Then move to the area that needs work. Finish with the second good skill they have. You’ve delivered not one, but two instances of praise, yet made your employee aware of the area that needs improvement. They will remember all three.
  • Stress the focus on specific goal achievement. Just as the best sports coaches demand that players focus on nothing beyond the next game, consistently refer to specific goals for your staff member. Infusing this “eyes on the prize” commitment works in all industries and companies.
  • Convince your employee that he/she is an important part of your team. Instilling a sincere feeling that all staff members are important players on a larger team almost always improves individual performance. This connection to the greater goal tends to motivate employees to do their best.
  • Praise individual achievements and explain how they have helped the team. This technique helps ensure that the other team members will try harder to perform better for themselves to help their team. The individual being praised is also reminded that, except for singles tennis, golf, or one-person companies, all players/employees are part of a group working towards one goal for the team or company.

Use some proven and successful sports coaching techniques to improve staff and company performance. It’s not difficult and it should work for you.