Another recent Daily Discipline got me connecting to the book I’m reading.
Facts don’t move people to action. Rational reasoning doesn’t spark change. Emotion moves people to action. Purpose with personal meaning sparks change.
If you want to move people, make them feel something that means something to them. That may be useful to keep in mind for yourself too.
The book Alchemy, like this blurb… Screams at me when I read it.
“Stop trying to be rational with them, Drew!”
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my early coaching career, and being overly rational is one of them.
Most people aren’t moved by the information itself. The problem is I am pretty rational-minded so that was my go-to strategy because it was my go-to lens.
But it’s not about you and your way as a coach. You have to appeal to your athletes. Provide value their way.
Often this is done by telling a story.
Tell the Best Story
People don’t buy the shoes because they have ergonomic arch support(or some other fancy shoe feature)
They hit the “pay” button because this company donates 20% of their revenue to replenish the rainforest.
You need shoes… Seems rational to buy a pair.
But you’re actually doing it because of a cause they stand for. Irrational.
The story sells. The perceived value sells. Both irrational and psycho-logical.
The shoes won’t sell as well on logical means. Get rid of the story, get rid of a great percentage of sales.
Ask Yourself and Your Staff
How can you create perceived value?
How can you tell a better story?
How can you move them to action?
Give yourself permission to coach more irrationally.