Our position and your position… influence each other to create alignment
What is our position… the Coach?
What it is…
1. Leader – as a coach, we need to pursue and possess the knowledge and experience to lead you on a path… understanding that where we are leading you is not only where we want you to go, but where you aspire to be.
2. Listener – as a coach, we need to LISTEN to our athletes, HEAR what they say, and meet them where they are RIGHT NOW.
3. Learner – as a coach, it is our responsibility to learn about YOU, our athlete. If WE LISTEN, we can understand where you are now, what resonates well with you, and ultimately LEAD you on a path to achieving your goals.
(these are not the only 3 things a Coach is… there are many more… feel free to use comments to elaborate!)
What it is not…
1. Bully – as a coach, we are NOT ENTITLED to bully our athletes, make them feel inferior or not worthy. LEADERS do not BULLY… on the contrary, they provide the truth… the tough love that breaks down weak walls and rebuilds those walls on a strong foundation of trust and love.
2. Punisher – as a coach, we are NOT ENTITLED to use our knowledge and experience to punish our athletes physically, emotionally and spiritually. Great LISTENERS understand how to see and hear what their athletes need RIGHT NOW, and provide them with the tools to succeed NOW, and in the future.
3. Diva – as a coach, we are NOT ENTITLED to explain the WOD and drop the mic! It is not our position to use our coaching authority to exude a sense of entitlement… on the contrary, we must be present with our athletes, ready and willing to re-educate, cue, correct and encourage… and do all of the above on a moment’s notice!
(these are not the only 3 things a Coach is NOT… there are many more… feel free to use comments to elaborate without creating a firestorm of criticism!)
What is your position… the Athlete?
What it is…
1. Open Minded – as an athlete training under a coach, it is important to be OPEN to training methods that may be very different than what you have done in the past, and/or very different than what you EXPECT. Being OPEN to new ideas and training methods will LEAD to an increase in self-discovery, kinesthetic awareness and training knowledge.
2. Respectful – as an athlete training under a coach, your success is not only your priority, but also the priority of your coach or coaches. Being MINDFUL & RESPECTFUL of the hours spent to create and develop opportunities for you to experience that success is the water that feeds the seeds of a great coach – to – athlete relationship. NOT LISTENING, BEING LATE AND TALKING DURING WOD EXPLANATIONS is not in alignment with developing and nurturing that relationship.
3. Fearful, not Doubtful – as an athlete training under a coach, having FEAR is normal… having DOUBT is abnormal, these being in direct relationship to success on a personal level. Fearing a movement or workout is a sign that you are confident in your training, but have an understanding of what is about to happen. Doubting yourself based on a workout or prescribed movement or workload is a sign that you are unprepared, and don’t fully believe your training has prepared you for what’s about to happen.
(these are absolutely not the only 3 things an athlete is… feel free to use the comments to elaborate!)
What it is not…
1. A Coach – as an athlete training under a coach, it is not your responsibility to COACH your friends. Helping and coaching are two very different things… the next time you feel the urge to help someone with a movement or technique, ask yourself if you are qualified to provide that information.
2. A Cheater – as an athlete training under a coach, CHEATING IS UNACCEPTABLE. It is your responsibility to train with the same honesty and integrity that is imparted unto you by your coach and/or coaches. Training to WIN, and training FOR LIFE should be equally fulfilling in process and completion… cheating to get there will ALWAYS leave you with a VOID.
3. A Diva – as an athlete training under a coach, you are entitled to the services you are paying for. If you are not getting your money’s worth, that should be a PRIVATE CONVERSATION with your coach. If you feel like you know more than your coach, then it’s time for you to take the steps to become a coach, or start training on your own. Creating DRAMA, inciting ill will and deceitful conversations with your fellow athletes is not in alignment with your agreement with your coach and/or coaches.
(these are not the only 3 things an athlete is not… feel free to use the comments to elaborate without being hurtful or distasteful)
RedShed CrossFit is a Strength & Conditioning Facility, where we focus on Mind, Body & Spirit… or better stated… Mind, Body & Fitness!
Our goal is to meet you where you are, educate you on movement, establish function, train energy systems and create a sense of fulfillment and self-discovery… what happens along the way is something we like to call FITNESS, which leads to better everyday practices, ultimately creating a lifetime of health & wellness.
Understanding our positions and creating alignment are very relative, but the seeds that establish the roots to a strong coach – to – athlete relationship!
To add to Pat’s great essay:
My top priorities when I am coaching: Motivate and create energy (especially at the end of the day when everyone is tired), reinforce safe and efficient movement, do not favor one or two athletes in any given group and to always do more than expected such as working with someone after class (if time and space allow).
Thanks for sharing