By Kathleen Hessert
Have you ever wondered why some coaches attract the best players, while others don't? Often you find that athletes retire, transfer, or are traded when a favorite coach leaves a team. The classic example is the Michael Jordan/Phil Jackson story – when Jackson left the Chicago Bulls, talk of Jordan returning to the team ceased – but there are countless others. One reason Jackson and other esteemed coaches are so successful is "Coaching Magnetism." It's a quality most often found in the best coaches – the ones with the ability to attract the best athletes and the most positive attention. Magnetic coaches know how to motivate a team, and also have exemplary one-on-one communication skills. They have a mighty current running in their favor.
The following is a list of essential characteristics that make someone more charismatic, dynamic, and ultimately persuasive. People virtually ask to be persuaded by a magnetic coach.
Magnetic Coaches Do...
Most of all, magnetic coaches are the ones who never stop learning, growing, and improving their communication skills. And coaches who constantly work to refine their communication skills are more likely to be magnetic coaches.
On the other hand, there are several types of behavior that a successful coach must avoid in order to catapult his/her career.
Magnetic Coaches Don't . . .
Successful coaches do more than lead their teams – they inspire them. Winning for the sake of winning is one thing, but a magnetic coach gives winning greater significance. They have a radiant attraction and those around them feel a surge – a desire to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. "Win one for the Gipper" is one example of a successful, though outdated motivation technique. Use motivational techniques such as those listed below to inspire today’s athletes to a higher level of achievement.
Make an appeal to strong values.
“Being the best” or “outperforming the competition” are strong trigger points.
Ask the right questions.
It’s often better to ask a question than to tell people what you want them to do. For example, a coach might ask a question like: How many of you want to win? This elicits emotion and inspires them to try harder.
Appeal to multiple senses.
You want athletes to hear and feel your message. This will help them to imagine the total experience of winning.
Inspire people with success stories.
These stories are a great way to inspire others, and they encourage others to improve themselves. However, don’t over-use them, because you don’t want to appear to be living in the past.