Maxwell Leadership Podcast: How Great Coaches Communicate

Jun 17, 2024

Maxwell Leadership Podcast: How Great Coaches Communicate

Introduction

  • Host: Mark Cole
  • Topic: How great coaches communicate effectively
  • Special Guest: John Maxwell and Chris C (football coach)
  • Resource: Bonus resource with 17 points on effective coaching communication available for download
  • Watch on YouTube: Visit MaxwellPodcast.com/coach for links

Key Points on Effective Coaching Communication by John Maxwell

Core Philosophy

  • Effective Communication: Critical skill for coaches in any field
  • Red Auerbach Quote: "It's not what you tell your players that counts, it's what they hear."
  • Information vs. Communication: Information is giving out; communication is getting through.

Essentials to Communicate as a Coach

  1. Value of Teamwork: Success is achieved together
  2. Big Picture: Goal is more important than individual roles
  3. Each Player's Role: Clarity on responsibilities
  4. Raising the Bar: Higher standards for the team
  5. Hard Decisions: Addressing tough choices
  6. Personal Challenges: Teamwork is difficult
  7. Vision and Mission: Direction and confidence for the team
  8. Good Attitude: Importance of maintaining a positive mindset
  9. Personal Responsibility: Accountability among teammates
  10. Sacrifice: Importance of individual and team sacrifices
  11. Willingness to Change: Adaptability
  12. Value of Each Player: Recognizing each player's importance
  13. Value of the Team: Shared values define the team
  14. Need for Communication: Interaction fuels action
  15. Leadership: Key differentiator between equally talented teams
  16. Hope and Encouragement: High morale leads to high performance
  17. No Shortcuts: Long-term investment in the team

Passion in Communication

  • Vince Lombardi Example: Passionate coaching can turn a losing team around
  • Passion is Key: Cannot give what you do not have; enthusiasm is contagious
  • Mantra: "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, I will fire you with enthusiasm."
  • Goal: Make players perform beyond their abilities

Simplicity in Communication

  • Clarity: Clear, concise, straightforward instructions are crucial
  • Example from Vince Lombardi: Simplifies complex strategies into actionable points
  • Keep it Simple: Avoid overwhelming with details

Practical Application Discussion with Chris C

  • Mark Cole's Experience: Leadership insights and coaching lessons
  • Communication Tips: Information vs. Communication
  • Three Key Questions to Ask Post Communication:
    1. What did I say?
    2. What did you hear?
    3. What will you do?
  • Clarity vs. Certainty: Importance of being clear even if you cannot be certain
    • Quote by Andy Stanley: "When a leader can't be certain, he must always be clear."
  • Personal Responsibility: Simple, clear communication enhances team performance

Closing Remarks

  • Recommended Books:
    1. Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn by John Maxwell
    2. The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell (15% discount with code 'podcast')
  • Encouragement for Coaches: Aim to make the team better than the sum of its talent
  • Listener Feedback: Engagement through comments and additional resources