One of the biggest challenges we face as drillers and leaders is creating an environment where success can thrive!
So many times, we rush towards the outcome of a practice without stopping to consider how it FEELS to be at a practice (even if that’s virtual right now). And we get it – there are lots of stressors: goals you need to meet, routines you need to finish, maybe just showing up is a challenge right now. Whether a leader or subordinate, here are a few things EVERYONE can do to create a practice environment that keeps people coming back time after time EVEN IF they aren’t maybe the best at executing drill quite yet!
1. Greet EVERYONE by name when you first see them!
Everyone feels more welcome when they know they’re a name, not just a number or body on the team!
2. Make EYE CONTACT!
Now more than ever with masks, genuine eye contact communicates so much!
3. Call out the GOOD!
For every correction you issue, you should have at least 2 things to compliment or sustain. Even if you’re not a commander, find time to compliment your teammates!
4. Talk to EVERYONE, not just your friends!
And spend extra time with the people who you don’t know very well. Now, more than ever, we need good connections to keep us together!
5. Practice EMPATHY!
Everyone is going through something and just because it seems small to you doesn’t mean it is to them. A team that cares is a team that sticks together!
Give it a shot! None of these things will compromise any of the discipline or intensity of your practices – in fact, you might just find that doing these things in LIFE leaves people feeling more motivated, open to correction, and connected!
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