Like many of you, I’ve coached at all different levels. I’ve worked with top collegiate athletes to speed up their release and I’ve taught 2nd grade flag footballers how to wipe their nose on their sleeve. Despite the different situations, I’ve faced a common challenge. “How the hell do I get __________(insert any name) to do __________(insert any challenging activity)?” Want to make it even harder? How about make that challenge a puke-inducing series of lifts that inevitably ends with them ‘failing’ in front of their friends.
At times it is tempting to just reply “Because I told you so!” to the incessant “Why?” There are certainly times when a little external motivation, whether it be the carrot or stick, is necessary. But as coaches we have many responsibilities, at home and work. We don’t have the time to always be babysitting a weight room just to ensure everyone is showing up. We need to focus more on the intrinsic motivation. That is, create a self-sustaining fire inside our players. It may take more work up front, but the benefits will be seen for a lifetime. Now, as many of you know, motivation is one of the most studied subjects in psychology, so to know and attempt to apply it all would be debilitating. You know knowledge is important, but useless unless you act on it. That is why I’ve simplified my approach to fit almost every situation that I’ll encounter. Feel free to find the model that fits best for you. The important thing is that you do use a framework and have a planned approach. As Gary Barta, the AD from The University of Iowa, wisely once told me. “Hope is a crappy strategy”.
I get my philosophy from best-selling author and researcher, Daniel Pink, who used over 50 years of behavior research to find the three essential elements to create a drive within a person.
Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose. AMP, as I like to remember it. I’d love to hear your comments on what challenges you have as a coach, or what motivation techniques work well for you. The ability to positively influence and motivate others is one of the most powerful skills anyone can have. If you have coaches who are also interested in making monumental changes, please share!
– Coach Campbell
Photos courtesy of Blackburn Pictures.
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