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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

If You Were A Booger I'd Pick You First!

What makes an individual a great coach, business owner, lawyer, or teacher?  If you guessed the ability to effectively communicate with a client/student/human being - you are correct!  Let's look at the definition:

com·mu·ni·cate

[kuh-myoo-ni-keyt]
–verb (used with object)
1. To impart knowledge of; make known: to communicate information.
2. To give to another; impart; transmit

I find it interesting that my success as a coach/trainer/nutritionist is most heavily weighted, and directly related to my ability to communicate effectively with my athletes and clients.  Sure, the amount of knowledge one has helps, but what good does it do if you're unable to encode and convey your thoughts, opinions and feedback. 
I've been noticing more and more of my athletes killing PR's, and making significant gains in shorter periods of time.  I don't believe it's because I have a profound knowledge of bio-mechanics and fitness methodology, but I do credit my ability to adapt and interpret body movement, and communicate what and why something needs to adjust or change. In no way am I saying I'm the greatest communicator or coach.  However, I am aware of the importance of communication, and the role it plays in my personal and professional development.  
Not only do does one need computer hacking skills, nun-chuck skills, break-dancing skills (these are just the basic skills every human should possess), but more importantly communication skills. Now let us dare to evaluate and improve our communication skills.  Who would it benefit? Everyone and pretty much every relationship. Just something to think about next time you're engaged in a conversation.  How do you listen? Objectively? Personally? 
Everyday, no matter the profession,we are tested on how well we communicate, and hopefully work toward creating a common perception for our clients and co-workers to reach a common goal. 


Kenny Powers Quote of The Day:


"But a true champion, face to face with his darkest hour, will do whatever it takes to rise above. A man fights, and fights, and then fights some more. Because surrender is death, and death is for pussies."