THE GROWTH MINDSET

A Newsletter for Coaches

Date: March 11th, 2023 Vol:2 Issue: 51

Formalizing your philosophy to bring clarity to your coaching.

An important step in my evolution as a coach came when I read Seahawks coach Pete Carroll's excellent book "Win Forever: Live, Work and Play like a Champion" . In the book Carroll outlines how formalizing his coaching philosophy was the big change he made after getting fired by the Patriots in 1999. Carroll believes that all the success he had at USC and with the Seahawks is rooted in formalizing his coaching philosophy.

Competition is the focal point of Carroll's entire philosophy. He wants everyone from trainers, coaches, front office employees, and players competing every minute they are at work.

It is has clearly helped Carroll.

It has also been very helpful in my coaching.

Having a coaching philosophy that I have been able to share with my assistants, players and their parents has been a really effective tool in my toolbox. In times of conflict or difficulty it is great to have a philosophy to refer to. Most coaches have a philosophy but until it is put on paper it will be hard for it to truly guide the decisions of any coach.

I share my philosophy with parents at our preseason meeting and it is included in our playbooks. My goal is that anyone affiliated with our team is aware of our core values & how we hope impact the lives of the people involved with our team.

It is also a great activity to help show you what you really value as a coach.

Pete Carroll is not alone in stressing the importance of formalizing a coaching philosophy. Research has shown that coaches who establish a clear coaching philosophy are more effective in leading their teams.

In a study published in the Journal of Coaching Education, by DiCenso, Williams & Gould. Coaches who reported having a well-defined coaching philosophy were more likely to have positive coaching behaviors, such as providing feedback and setting goals for their athletes. This may be a chicken or the egg scenario but regardless it seems like good coaches have established philosophies.

Additionally, athletes who played for coaches with a clear coaching philosophy reported higher levels of team cohesion and satisfaction with their coach.

Overall, research suggests that establishing a coaching philosophy is essential for effective leadership and creating a positive team culture. It allows coaches to communicate their values and expectations to their athletes, which fosters a sense of shared purpose and direction.

Steps to create your own philosophy

If your are interested in creating your own philosophy I recommend taking some time to work through the following steps as recommended by Coach Carroll.

1. Know Yourself: Carroll emphasizes the importance of understanding your own values and beliefs. Ask yourself, "What is important to me as a coach?" "Who do I want to be?" This self-awareness will help you develop a coaching philosophy that is authentic and consistent with your beliefs.
2. Identify Core Values: Once you have a clear understanding of your personal values, Carroll suggests identifying three to five core values that will guide your coaching philosophy. These values should be the foundation of your coaching philosophy and should be communicated clearly to your players and staff. My team's core values are: Resilience, belonging, gratitude, curiosity & wellness.
3. Create a Shared Vision: Carroll emphasizes the importance of creating a shared vision and understanding of what you are trying to achieve as a team. This vision should be based on your core values and should be communicated clearly and consistently to your players and staff. Our vision statement is: Using Basketball to develop young men of character.
4. Emphasize Competition and Growth: Carroll suggests that coaches should create a culture of competition and continuous improvement. This means emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset.
5. Prioritize Relationships: Carroll emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with your players and staff. This includes being approachable, listening actively, and showing genuine care for your players.
6. Remain Adaptable: Carroll suggests that coaches should be willing to adjust their coaching philosophy as needed. This means being open to new ideas, staying current on the latest trends in the game, and adapting your approach based on changes in your team or your own personal growth and development. I revisit this every year and this year I made significant changes.

Once it is formalized, make sure to post it in places that everyone in your program has access as they need to understand it will impact just about every decision that you will make with your team,

Resources exploring Pete Carroll & his philosophy
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Here are some great podcasts were Coach Carroll outlines his philosophy on coaching and how he sees competition as the cornerstone of his program.

Carroll's book "Win Forever, Live, Work & Play Like a Champion" is really excellent. It contains a lot of solid, actionable advice for coaches & leaders to build their philosophy.

The Value of Exit Interviews

It is the time of year when many teams are wrapping up their seasons.

It is a time to celebrate, acknowledge players who are moving on from the team and to reflect on what went well and what are areas to target for improvement next season. This is a process that both coaches and players should go through. It is important to remember a coach needs to provide constructive feedback to players and have a thick skin when players provide feedback that isn't what you hope to hear. Sometimes the truth hurts but it is better than not knowing at all.

Here are a few benefits to conducting exit interviews:

• Constructive Feedback: Exit interviews provide an opportunity for coaches to receive feedback from their athletes on the season. What did the players enjoy? What did they hate? I try to get feedback from the players on all aspects of our program. This helps guide my learning & planning for the offseason.
• Goal-setting: Exit interviews can be a great opportunity for coaches and athletes to set goals for the next season. By discussing what worked well and what didn't during the past season, coaches can help athletes to set realistic goals for the future.
• Provide Closure: Exit interviews can help athletes to feel a sense of closure at the end of the season. They can reflect on their experiences and achievements, and discuss any issues or concerns they may have had with their coach. I have had some great opportunities to clear the air with players and allow them to unpack their grievances and allow our relationship to move on.
• Player development: Exit interviews can also be a useful tool for player development. Coaches can provide athletes with feedback on their performance and areas for improvement. What specific skills does the player need to improve on? What area should they target for athletic improvement?
• Open lines of Communication: Season ending meetings can help to foster open and honest communication between coaches and athletes. By providing a safe space for athletes to discuss their thoughts and feelings, coaches can build stronger relationships with their athletes and create a more positive team culture.

I believe that the more open and honest communication with athletes throughout the entire season, creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Pre-season, & midseason meetings, and finishing with exit interviews is all part of a solid practice of engaging athletes and coaches.

Thanks for reading. Have a great week !

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