Two Sides of the Same Coin

Adolescence and old age are not for sissies. Two sides of the coin coexist, "you don't understand," and "you get me." 

Players and coaches come from different worlds but leverage shared vision and shared goals. Teamwork requires selflessness and relationships. Both staff and team want success. 

• Buy-in comes from value creation. 
• "In the short-term, teams are voting machines and in the long-term they are weighing machines." Performance bests potential. 
• The best teams have shared ownership where everyone feels valued.
• Excellence meets a need for excellence. 
• Progress with process.
• Prioritize growth. 

I asked ChatGPT to discuss bridging gaps. 

Bridging the gap between the “you don’t understand” and “you get me” worlds begins with intentionality and empathy. Here are strategies to help coaches minimize differences and build stronger harmony with players:

1. Prioritize Relationships Over Results

• Invest Time: Show genuine interest in players’ lives outside the sport. Understanding their personal challenges, values, and motivations creates trust.
• Active Listening: Practice listening without interrupting. Let players feel heard and validated, even if you disagree.

2. Adopt a Learning Mindset

• Seek Their Perspective: Regularly ask for feedback and ideas. How do they see the game? What’s working, and what’s not?
• Embrace Generational Differences: Acknowledge and respect the cultural references, communication styles, and challenges that shape their worldview.

3. Communicate With Purpose

• Clear Expectations: Be transparent about goals, roles, and standards. Misunderstandings often arise from ambiguity.
• Use Their Language: This doesn’t mean being overly casual but framing messages in ways they understand and resonate with.
• Show Vulnerability: Admit mistakes when they happen. It demonstrates authenticity and builds mutual respect.

4. Lead With Empathy and Consistency

• Empathy First: Avoid dismissing players' feelings with phrases like “When I was your age…” Recognize that their struggles are valid, even if they differ from your experiences.
• Consistency Always: Fairness and predictability in decisions create a safe and harmonious environment.

5. Celebrate Small Wins Together

• Recognize efforts, not just results. Celebrate the unnoticed contributions like energy on the bench, supportive leadership, or a smart play.

6. Foster Ownership

• Co-Create Goals: Involve players in setting team and individual objectives. Shared goals create shared accountability.
• Empower Leadership: Delegate roles to players that reflect their strengths, giving them a sense of agency.

7. Be Open to Adaptation

• Reflect Often: Are your methods effective for this group of players? Adapt based on what’s needed now, not just what worked before.
• Balance Old-School and New-School: Leverage your experience while staying open to fresh approaches they might suggest.

Ultimately, harmony grows when coaches see players not just as athletes, but as partners in the journey. Authenticity, mutual respect, and shared purpose create the “you get me” world. 

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