Chapter 1·The Coaching Gap
Listening
A player who feels truly seen by their coach will give you everything.
THE THREE LEVELS OF LISTENING
Level 1. Attention on yourself.
Their words pass through your filter. "I've been there, let me tell you..."
Level 2. Focus on them.
You stay in their story. "What was the best part of it?"
Level 3. Everything.
Energy, body, what is not said, what the room feels like.
WHERE YOU ARE ON THE JOURNEY
STAGE 1Unconsciously incompetent
STAGE 2Consciously incompetent
STAGE 3Consciously competent
STAGE 4Unconsciously competent
At every level
Youth
Protect each kid's spark. Read when they glow, and when they shut down.
Elite & College
See who they are becoming, not just who they are today.
Pro
See the human behind the athlete. Ask: what was that like for you?
“Before you can listen to anyone else, you have to be able to listen to yourself.”
One thing to try
In one real conversation this week, stay at Level 2. When they stop talking, don't fill the space. Say: tell me more.
The Coaching Gap