In this episode, Mark and Clare flip the script on traditional coaching. They reveal why the "fix-it" mentality is a trap and how the most transformative coaches empower their players to lead. Drawing on their experiences as teachers and coaches, they discuss how to build a program that is truly bigger than any one person. They cover practical strategies like asking better questions, creating a psychologically safe environment, and co-creating your team's culture. Tune in to learn how to move from being the "sage on the stage" to a "guide on the side" and unlock your team's full potential.

Key Points & Timestamps

(2:49 ) What It Means to be a "Guide on the Side"

(4:26 ) The Power of the Pause: Giving Players a Voice

(6:06 ) Lead with Questions, Not Answers

(11:22 ) Using Feedback for Measurement and Motivation

(15:31 ) Changing "Why" to "What" in Your Questions

(17:56 ) Co-Creating Your Team's Core Values

(22:26 ) The System: From Opportunities to Frameworks

(26:26 ) Eliminating Clicks Through Environmental Design

(28:37 ) Free Community Trial & Other Resources Mentioned

Action Items for Coaches

Lead with a question: The next time you see something your team is doing incorrectly, resist the urge to fix it. Instead, ask an open-ended question to get them to think about the problem themselves.

Use "powerful pauses": After you ask a question, wait longer than you think you should for a response. Give your players time to process and formulate their own answers.

Conduct a "thumbs up/thumbs down" check with eyes closed: To get an honest assessment of your team's understanding of a concept, have them close their eyes before giving a thumbs up or down. This removes the influence of peer pressure.

Create a space for small groups: Find a way to have your players talk in small groups of 3 or 4 during practice or film sessions. This creates a safe environment for them to share their thoughts and ideas.

Note to the Editor

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