The Impact of TrustThe Impact of Trust

Bruce E. Brownwww.proactivecoaching.info

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The Importance of Trust on Teams

• “Trust men and the will be true to you. Treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.” Emerson

• “Mistrust doubles the cost of doing business” John Whitney, Columbia Business School

• “In leadership, there is no word more important than trust” Coach K

• Trust builds – lack of trust destroys

Low Trust Teams

• Feeling of no influence = disengagement• Division – sub groups• Looking out for yourself• Wasted time• Slow to believe• Lots of excuses• Low energy

High Trust Teams

• Easy communication• Loyalty• Sharing credit• Engagement• Trust their training• High accountability• Lots of energy• Fearless competitors

How trust impacts your performance

• Trust is freeing… It allows the athlete to focus on performing to his/her best and not on the possible REACTION of the coach.

• Trust makes all the difference in an athlete’s ability to perform. When you trust your coach entirely, you are able to compete fearlessly; knowing that your coach is going to do everything they can to put you in a position to be successful. Lack of trust leads to hesitation, which leads to poor performance.

• All the difference. With Trust, everything is possible.

Why Coaches are Trusted #1

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION• Your technical knowledge• Your ability to teach it• Your coaching philosophy and style

Professional Preparation

Trusted Leaders:1.Have a strong coaching philosophy2.Never stop learning3.Have a plan4.Can teach5.Can motivate6.Understand how to build a team

Professional Preparation

Trusted Coaches:7. Develop a successful track record8. Clear expectations9. Are secure people10. Are Workers11. Have a style that encourages fearless

competition

Athletes on Professional Style• Regardless of how nice they are, the coach has to know what

they are doing – lack of ability cannot be hidden from even an average athlete.

• I trusted those coaches that were honest, fair, had the knowledge, came prepared everyday and could really teach it in a way that could make us get better. Also they knew how to build us into a team regardless of our abilities.

• When players see their coach demonstrate good temperament, judgment, management and motivation, (a positive coaching style) they respond. When their style promotes respect, you are generally willing to trust them.

Why Coaches are Trusted #2

PERSONAL CARE1.Be careful with your words2.Be loyal3.Be genuinely interested4.Give away credit5.Be accountable6.Be a straight talker

“In everybody’s life, at some time our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with and human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

Albert Einstein

Athletes on Personal Care• I think the essence of “trust” between coach and athlete is

similar to that within a parent-child relationship. First and foremost, the athlete sees the coach as open and accepting of him/her as a person. Not only as an athlete, but a whole person. It blends consistency with structure (limits) and love (warmth and affection).

• If you know a coach loves and cares about you, and respects you as a person, it is easy to trust them. Kids are pretty forgiving too. When you truly trust a coach, they can mess it up a few times and not lose your trust.

• I always trusted coaches that I knew cared about me as an individual and were honest with me about Everything!

Why Coaches are Trusted #3

PURPOSEFUL, CONSISTENT CHARACTER

• “My most trusted coaches were confident, composed, consistent, high character people. I wanted to become him”

Integrity

• An unshakeable set of principles• Allows you to act out your convictions• Your sense of honor is greater than any

situation or temptation• Keeping commitments• Provides instant belief

Athletes on the Coaches Character• Kids know when they are being lied to and it is almost

impossible to win them back once that trust has been betrayed. Kids appreciate honest feedback, even if it isn’t what they want to hear.

• If a coach can demonstrate to an athlete over time that they will consistently hold true to their core principles then an athlete will grow to trust them with everything they have.

• Honesty drove my ability to trust. When a coach was truthful with messages that were directed toward the team and individual it created an atmosphere of trust.

• I trusted coaches who had high standards for us and who followed their own rules.

The Moment of Swing“In rowing there comes a moment on great

crews that transcends anything the individual could have ever accomplished on their own. All eight oars in the water together… the synchronization almost perfect. In that moment the boat seem to lift right out of the water. Oarsmen call that “the moment of swing”… a boat did no have swing unless everyone was putting out in exact timing. It allowed you to trust.” David Halberstam

Does Trust Exist on Your Team?

1. Clear standards and expectations2. Listen first3. Talk straight4. Demonstrate respect5. Practice accountability6. Be loyal

Does Trust Exist on Your Team?

7. Deliver results and share the credit8. Keep learning and improving9. Confront with care, respect and love10. Keep commitments11. Model Integrity12. Extend your trust

“Luck favors the team that trusts each other.” Coach K

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