I think one of the reasons I'm approached to work with a diverse range of clients, from pro-sport to the military and performing arts is because I'm happy to sing a different song.
What has singing the happy birthday song got to do with effective coaching?
Do this for me (in your head, unless you want funny looks from you colleagues or the people sat next to you on the train). Imagine you're at my birthday party and you are asked to sing me a song - what are you going to sing? THE HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG. I bet you've even got the tune and words stuck in your head as we speak. Why not sing me a different song, after all, I've heard that one 42 times! How about you get creative and knock out a new tune with different lyrics?
Why do we all sing the same song?
Because that's how we've always done it!
Sports, coaches and athletes can often be held back by tradition and fixed paradigms 'this is how we've always done it'. A sport will often look for a practitioner with extensive experience working in their sport rather than looking for a the best practitioner, regardless of their 'sport specific knowledge'. They always want someone that is going to sing the same Happy Birthday song.
What if there was an alternative, a practitioner that approached a situation with a fresh set of eyes, willing to try something new?
What if you sung a different song?
If it was good enough for Stevie Wonder, then it should be good enough for you! Don't stick to the same old song - sometimes you need to sing a different tune.