Think back to the last time you said, “Because I said so, that’s why.”
For me, it was yesterday. I was talking to my daughter. Technically, I think I said, “Because I’m big and your small, and that’s why,” but I made my point (That’s a little saying my sister-in-law taught me).
Outside of speaking to young children, though, I’m confident this approach is not best. John Wooden, famed UCLA basketball coach, one of the best of all time, states the importance of not only stating WHAT is required of his players, but, more importantly, stating WHY it is required.
Here are some examples of WHAT Wooden’s players were required to do, and WHY they were required to do so:
- Learn how to properly put on socks/tie shoes – To eliminate blisters and untied shoes, which lead to a disruption in performance.
- Tuck in their jerseys, even during practice – To emphasize that sloppiness is not acceptable in any domain.
- Acknowledge the player assist when scoring a basket – To acknowledge the importance of teamwork, and that no man is an island. “The star of the team is the team.”
- Eliminate chocolate from the locker room – Chocolate creates phlegm. Phlegm creates a distraction during play. Distractions are no good.
As you carry on in your leadership role, as a boss, coach, teacher, parent, human being, remember to not only state WHAT is required, but WHY it is required as well.
For example, you MUST subscribe to my email community, because if you don’t, it’s quite possible you will miss a blog, and these blogs are written to help you perform at an optimal level in your daily life.
It’s simple math, really :) (You can subscribe below).
Life’s a Fight. Carpe Diem. Fight Well!
Spaniard
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About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Latest videos
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
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