By Ken Reed
One of the arguments some coaches have had against positive coaching techniques is that the positivity approach might work at some younger youth levels but not at highly competitive older levels. The thinking is that a positive, humanistic coaching style won’t translate into wins for big-time college and professional sports teams.
Well, both Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, two of pro sports winningest coaches the past couple years, are positive coaching disciples. And Phil Jackson, the all-time leader in NBA titles for coaches, is national spokesman for the Positive Coaching Alliance.
The bottom line is, positive coaching works better — from a performance perspective and a human relations/player development perspective — than the old autocratic Vince Lombardi-style.
In a recent article by Noah Frank, Jim Thompson, CEO of the Positive Coaching Alliance, says the success of positive coaches like Carroll and Kerr makes a strong impression on coaches at lower levels.
“When you’ve got someone like Kerr right now, showing almost relentless positivity, it’s fabulous,” says Thompson. “We want high school coaches, youth coaches to understand that positive emotions can create an upward spiral. What builds resilience is positivity.”
Check it out. Frank’s article is one that coaches at ALL levels should read. The interview with Kerr, imbedded in the article, is also well-worth viewing.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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