Are You A Fan?

Are you a fan of your players? There is a lot of research that says one of the best ways you can motivate is to be a fan.

When you coach your team, are you actually a fan of your players? Do you root for them to do well? Do you let them know how highly you think of them? Do you actively cheer for them?

It’s a simple act that motivates, but one that gets lost often. Being a fan. In a lot of ways, it doesn’t fit with what we think of as coaching - being in charge, telling people what to do, raising our voice, correcting mistakes. That’s where we get high on our own power and control. We tell people to do, and we stop being a fan. Instruction is important, of course. We have to teach. But when we get lost in simply telling people what they are doing wrong, we aren’t motivating. We are correcting and instructing, but not always in a positive tone.

Be a fan of your players. It really isn’t that hard. Don’t get drunk on power and control. If you want to motivate your team better, cheer for them. You can instruct them and correct them as well. You can be demanding and hold them accountable. Practices can be tough. But make sure they know you are rooting for them.

“The most important thing you can do to motivate your team is to be a fan”. - From the website Admired Leadership