Learning, warmth, falling and criticism

sent by Nick Grantham | 29th March 2022

"Watch someone else coach, then get coached, then coach.

Charlie Weingroff

share this on twitter

You can apply this approach to any aspect of life. For example, if you want to get good at something, immerse yourself and watch great practitioners delivering. Then spend time being supported by those practitioners. Finally, go out there, get your hands dirty, take the lessons learnt through observation and experience, and put them into practice.

Source: Charlie Weingroff


"Competence without warmth is likely to leave us feeling suspicious."

Vanessa Van Edwards

share this on twitter

You need to know your stuff but being technically competent is a given. The best practitioners connect with athletes to breathe life into their coaching on a deeper level. 

Source: Vanessa Van Edwards


"What if I fall? Oh, but my darling what if you fly."

Erin Hanson

share this on twitter

Mrs G pretty much said this to me in 1997 when I was contemplating applying for my first role in high-performance sport. I didn't think I was good enough. I didn't think I would get a call for an interview, let alone the job. I was petrified of falling. I've faced many situations throughout my career where I've worried about my ability to deliver. Sometimes my worries have come true, but I've gone on to fly more often than not! Life is far too short to worry about falling flat on your face. So crack on and give it a go.

Source: Erin Hanson


"Criticising is easy and fast. Creating is difficult and slow."

Adam Grant

share this on twitter

Writing a book, developing a training plan or coaching an athlete can be a slow and challenging process. It's easy to sit in the cheap seats and criticise. Don't be that person. Instead, look for ways to help others or get out of your comfy chair, get your hands dirty, and have a go yourself.

Source: Adam Grant


Join Me

Thanks for reading. You can get more insights from my popular email newsletter. Each week I share performance insights in my exclusive For the Win newsletter. Sign up with your email now and join us.

Join Now

P.S. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.