Like many coach’s, I’ve always been a big fan of Coach John Wooden. He is a legendary college basketball coach who led UCLA to 10 national championships and one of the winningest programs in sports history.
I’ve been an avid reader of any books I could find from Coach Wooden and highly recommend reading his books on leadership. He led with integrity and was an example of doing things the right way.
We see a lot of coach’s now that relish in the spotlight and are driven by ego. They tirade on the sidelines yelling and screaming, putting on a show.
Coach Wooden, believed and demonstrated self-control and was a big believer in controlling your emotions. He always referred to himself as a teacher first.
One of his major teachings that I have tried to implement in coaching and parenting is the sandwich technique.
What is the sandwich technique?
The sandwich technique is a method of teaching to praise first, followed by the behavior to be corrected, then finishing by praise. Not only is this a great technique to be used in coaching, but also parenting as well.
The sandwich technique is a method of teaching to praise first, followed by the behavior to be corrected, then finishing by praise. Not only is this a great technique to be used in coaching, but also parenting as well.
Here are some examples:
Scenario 1– Let’s say you have a child that’s struggling with name calling towards a sibling. The sandwich technique could be: Its amazing how you want to interact with your sibling, let’s use kind words when talking to them, but I love how when you spend time with your siblings.
Scenario 2– For a child that’s hitting another sibling. The sandwich technique could be: You are great at being so active, let’s make sure we keep our hands to ourselves so we don’t hurt anyone, but it’s great that you want to play with your sibling.
Scenario 3-Maybe your child is back talking. The sandwich technique could be: I appreciate the way you are able to communicate, let’s remember how we say things can be disrespectful, but continue to display independence and express the way you feel.
As you can see, we can use the sandwich technique in many situations and it’s hugely beneficial. Many of the positive parenting strategies, teach us to remain calm when our children escalate, because as we yell or become angry it makes the situation worse.
I know it’s easier said than done, but Coach Wooden was a great example of this principle.
Coach Wooden spent his life dedicated to becoming the best person he could become. Through his experiences he created his pyramid for success. His pyramid consisted of 15 building blocks that lead to success.
Coach Wooden spent his life dedicated to becoming the best person he could become. Through his experiences he created his pyramid for success. His pyramid consisted of 15 building blocks that lead to success.
Industriousness– I believe he is referring to work ethic and how hard we work. We know that it takes hard work and dedication to become great.
Friendship-Being a good friend can make all the difference in someone’s life. A good friend is someone that cares about the wellbeing of others.
Loyalty– Let’s be someone that others can count on and trust. We need more people in business and in leadership positions that practice what they preach.
Cooperation– It takes everyone working together to accomplish great things.
Enthusiasm– It’s hard for someone to accomplish big things with a negative attitude. A positive attitude and outlook seeks out the best in life and attracts the same in return.
Self-Control– Learning to discipline yourself is a sign of greatness. Letting your emotions rule you, often can lead to reckless behavior.
Alertness– Be mindful and in the moment paying attention to the little things. Be someone that continues to learn.
Initiative– Show that you are willing to do whatever it takes.
Intentness-Set goals and take the small steps every day to progress towards your goals.
Condition– Being physically fit will help you to be well. Keep your body healthy be putting good things into it.
Skill– Continue to work and develop your talents through practice.
Team Spirit-Show that you are willing to fulfill your role and give for the greater good.
Poise– When adversity hits, be able to remain standing.
Confidence– Believe in yourself and trust in your decisions.
Friendship-Being a good friend can make all the difference in someone’s life. A good friend is someone that cares about the wellbeing of others.
Loyalty– Let’s be someone that others can count on and trust. We need more people in business and in leadership positions that practice what they preach.
Cooperation– It takes everyone working together to accomplish great things.
Enthusiasm– It’s hard for someone to accomplish big things with a negative attitude. A positive attitude and outlook seeks out the best in life and attracts the same in return.
Self-Control– Learning to discipline yourself is a sign of greatness. Letting your emotions rule you, often can lead to reckless behavior.
Alertness– Be mindful and in the moment paying attention to the little things. Be someone that continues to learn.
Initiative– Show that you are willing to do whatever it takes.
Intentness-Set goals and take the small steps every day to progress towards your goals.
Condition– Being physically fit will help you to be well. Keep your body healthy be putting good things into it.
Skill– Continue to work and develop your talents through practice.
Team Spirit-Show that you are willing to fulfill your role and give for the greater good.
Poise– When adversity hits, be able to remain standing.
Confidence– Believe in yourself and trust in your decisions.
To Summarize, Let’s teach our kids how to develop the traits that Coach Wooden defined as leading to success.
Coach Wooden says “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” Isn’t peace of mind what wellness is all about?
Please comment below on anything you enjoyed from this post.
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