Transforming Feedback into Success: Lessons from a Tyke Football Coach
- Lisa Klassen
- May 25, 2024
- 2 min read
"In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn." - Phil Collins
Feedback is essential not only in a problem-solving career but also in personal and professional development. When I think about effective feedback, I recall my son's Tyke football coach. The team was a group of 7-9-year-olds, half of whom had never touched a football nor watched a game. Despite losing every game of the regular season, they tied the first-place team in the playoffs and came back the following year to win the championship. I marveled that despite losing every game their first year, they never lost their spirit and truly functioned as a team.
I credit their success to their coach, who, at the end of every practice and game, pointed out everything they did right. He would call out each kid individually, saying things like, "Hey Jack! I loved the way you tackled that giant!" and then ask, "What did you love about today's game?" This approach encouraged the kids to reflect on their performance positively. He followed up with reflective questions such as, "What do you think we could have done better?" and "What can we do differently next time to avoid getting penalized (or blocked, tackled, sacked, fumbling, etc.)?" He often highlighted their teamwork, saying, "I saw some really great teamwork today, guys—you should be really proud of yourselves." I should also note that he never raised his voice to these kids.
Just like kids on the football field, adults thrive on feedback too. It's not just about solving problems at work; it's about growing personally and professionally. Start with praise, sprinkle in some reflective questions, and watch those obstacles melt away, paving the way for stellar performance. My feedback mantra? Focus on the positives first and keep the momentum going. Once we've celebrated the wins, it's time to open the floor for suggestions—how could we have done things better? What could have made the process smoother? Together, we can fine-tune our approach and keep raising the bar.
Action Steps for Positive Feedback:
✨Start with Specific Praise: Begin by highlighting specific actions or behaviors that were done well. This reinforces positive behavior and sets a constructive tone.
✨Ask Reflective Questions: Encourage self-assessment by asking reflective questions such as, "What do you think we could have done better?" This promotes critical thinking and personal growth.
✨Focus on Solutions: Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, direct the conversation towards finding solutions. Ask, "What can we do differently next time to improve?" This helps maintain a forward-thinking mindset.
✨Encourage Continuous Improvement: Regularly revisit feedback to ensure ongoing progress. Set goals for future performance and provide continuous support and encouragement.
Incorporating these strategies into your feedback approach can yield remarkable results, both personally and professionally. Remember, feedback is not just about pointing out flaws—it's about fostering growth, building resilience, and propelling individuals and teams toward success. By embracing a culture of constructive feedback, we can create environments where continuous improvement thrives, and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. So, let's commit to leading with praise, asking thoughtful questions, and supporting each other on the journey to excellence. Together, we can turn feedback into a powerful force for positive change.
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