Listen First | Red and Me

NBA legend Bill Russell wrote a book talking about his relationship with head coach Red Auerbach. He wrote:

"From the first, Red's method of coaching me was by observation, listening, and conversation."

Russell said that he was a private person and a man of few words. Red realized that and respected it. He used that information to coach Russell.

Russell further wrote:

"His attitude was: 'How can we do this together?' He approached it by asking himself, 'Russell is a good ballplayer. What can I do to help him win games?' That would have been sufficient. But he went further: 'This is a man I like and respect."

Coaching, teaching, and leadership are about a transfer of information. The best way to transfer that information is by connecting with your athletes, getting to know them and their personalities, how they learn best, and how they receive information best. 

This is done by listening first. Listening first is how we get more information about our athletes and their agenda. Teams and cultures of high expectations are done through relationships, unity, and trust.

The better we know and respond to our athletes, the better we can coach them.