“Coach, You have to change because so and so (an athlete I coach) does not like the way you coach. You never say anything nice!”
“You need to be more positive.”
This one has floated across my radar a few times over the years and forgive me if I am redoing a similar post but here are the facts.
I am approachable and if I think I made a mistake I will change.
Perhaps the athlete has to change, not me!
But as Davy Crockett once said, “Be sure you’re right and then go ahead!”
(I guess he also said going to the Alamo was a good idea?)
If I have a reason and am sure I’m right I will not change. And if my athlete has tons of talent and is not playing to their potential, I will point that out.
I will not be a cheerleader and if you want one I know several who will take your $. I am a coach!
So if the mindset is the athlete needs me-we do well!
If the mindset of either one of us “I need the athlete (or coach) “….not so much!