I am wondering what methods clubs have used to show their appreciation to and motivate their coaches. Our club is run by the facility we swim in and they pay our coach. Unfortunately this arrangement has led to a certain level of apathy on the part of the club members. I think there is a developing danger of the coach losing motivation if we, the swimmers don't find ways of showing our appreciation and providing motivation. I believe our coach is motivated by his passion for swimming, the amount he is paid to coach us is certainly not sufficient to motivate him. This year he has started coaching the age group club so I think he now has another outlet for his passion for swimming and coaching and I think we need to work harder to make sure he finds coaching us a fullfilling experience. I am sure many other clubs have been in similar situations where a coach who has put in incredible efforts to build the club up from almost nothing starts to suffer from burn out and lack of positive feedback. What has worked for you? I am sure I once read an article on the role that swimmers can play in providing a motivating environment for their coach but I can't remember where it was...
I have found that one of the biggest motivating factors for improved coaching enthusiasm is a responsive and appreciative club.
Every time I have a good workout I make sure to personally thank the coach for the great workout! If I notice someone swimming a set really hard or having good times, I tell them nice set!
If I catch myself beginning to grumble about a set the coach just announced, I try to put on a smile and tell her I’m ready to give it a try.
Part 2, attitudes are important – one person with a consistent positive attitude can raise a whole team if you let them. Conversely one person with a bad attitude can also bring you down, but only if you let them. Be positive about your own swimming – if you swim a good set; share that with the coach, let her know that the set was a good one and say thanks!
Also, understanding goals is important. Most swimmers have set some kind of swimming goals for themselves. But, what are your coach’s goals? You as a leader of you team should help the coach develop their goals for what they want to achieve with the program and in coaching. Setting these goals and helping the coach achieve them should provide motivation and new life.
I have found that one of the biggest motivating factors for improved coaching enthusiasm is a responsive and appreciative club.
Every time I have a good workout I make sure to personally thank the coach for the great workout! If I notice someone swimming a set really hard or having good times, I tell them nice set!
If I catch myself beginning to grumble about a set the coach just announced, I try to put on a smile and tell her I’m ready to give it a try.
Part 2, attitudes are important – one person with a consistent positive attitude can raise a whole team if you let them. Conversely one person with a bad attitude can also bring you down, but only if you let them. Be positive about your own swimming – if you swim a good set; share that with the coach, let her know that the set was a good one and say thanks!
Also, understanding goals is important. Most swimmers have set some kind of swimming goals for themselves. But, what are your coach’s goals? You as a leader of you team should help the coach develop their goals for what they want to achieve with the program and in coaching. Setting these goals and helping the coach achieve them should provide motivation and new life.
