Question:
Ryan, as I head into this new season with my players how can I create an environment where my players will really change? Really take the next step? You work with Corporations to help develop their HUNGRY culture and high performance environments... how can I begin to do that with my team?
- Steve
Answer:
Steve, this is the question for the ages and one that we could spend a whole season of articles exploring. You said it... “It’s a new season” so let’s give players a new reason to BELIEVE. All behavioral change starts with first BELIEVING that we can. The following story The Power of Belief by Mac Anderson amazingly highlights what must be the first core step in creating our HUNGRY-high performing teams.
FOR MORE THAN one hundred years, runners tried to break the four-minute mile. It was considered the “Holy Grail” of track and field. Many said it couldn’t be done. In fact, doctors wrote articles in medical journals explaining why it was physically impossible for the human body to run a mile in less than four minutes.
However, in May 1954, a British medical student named Roger Bannister ran the mile in 3:59.4. His amazing accomplishment made headlines around the world. Yet what happened afterwards is even more amazing. The four-minute mile was broken again the next month ... and then again ... and again. It has since been broken more than 700 times, sometimes by several people in the same race.
What happened? They weren’t training any differently, but for the first time they believed they could do it. The barriers to the mind had come down.
Never underestimate the power of belief when it comes to fulfilling your dreams. I can say with no hesitation that every person I’ve ever met who has achieved any degree of success has had one thing in common: they believed with all their heart they could do it.
The Roger Bannister story is an excellent example of this foundational first step towards a successful season. Creating and sustaining this atmosphere of “WE CAN” verses “that will never happen” is key to your desired good start. Ask your players what belief barriers might be in the gap between where we are today and where we need to go? Check in with your assistant coaches often about your player’s body language and confidence. Leadership always places a high level of focus on their player’s internal energy, because all substantial change (and high performance) first starts with people believing THEY CAN!
Ryan Walter played 15 NHL Seasons, won a Stanley Cup and has a Masters Degree in Leadership/Business. He works with players, teams and Minor Hockey Associations, synergizing teams and growing tomorrow’s leaders. Ryan also speaks at conferences and does long-term performance/team development work with corporations and organizations across North America.
For information on booking Ryan or to purchase his books contact Ryan at [email protected] or go to www.ryanwalter.com. |
