Athlete Perception vs Coaching Perspective

WHY KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

by Pauline Roose Moore, certified John Maxwell Team Coach, Speaker & Teacher

Do you have a certain movie that makes you well up with tears even when you’ve seen it a thousand times? How about a song that will always brings a smile to your face or tug at your heart? These emotional responses come from our perception and perspective. Coupled, they determine which actions we will, or will not, take. You may not realize it but these two things, perception and perspective, literally determine the results in every aspect of your life. With that big of an impact, it’s critical to know what these are, why they matter, and most importantly, how to use them to change your life and achieve the success you really want.

We recently interviewed John Maxwell Team member Pauline Rose Moore, who highlighted the importance of knowing the difference between perception and perspective. A United States Air Force veteran, and Certified John Maxwell Team member, Pauline uses what she’s learned to help other veterans and clients improve their lives, and achieve their goals. When asked why she joined the team, Pauline told how she had read John Maxwell’s, Failing Forward, and that it completely changed her life. “I immediately started reading the book and tears began to flow. It has changed my life. I perceive failure differently now.” If just one of John’s books could do that, she knew she had to learn everything she could about the Maxwell Method and Philosophy. Joining the team was a no brainer decision. Now that she’s certified, she’s striving to help others learn how to shift their perceptions and perspectives so that they can get more gain, less pain, and all the rewards in between.

It’s Just Semantics, Right?
Not quite. Though similar, perception and perspective stand on their own and knowing the difference can help you pinpoint areas you need to improve. Perception is what you interpret. It is your understanding of a given situation, person, or object. It is the meaning you assign to any given stimulus. Perspective is your point of view. It’s the lens you see the world through and determines how you view yourself, others, and everything else around you.

For Pauline, her perspective was that of a woman in the armed forces who wanted to make a difference. Her perception was that not achieving immediate results meant you are a failure and not good enough. This perception then lead to massive emotional pain when certain benchmarks weren’t achieved. In those moments when you tell yourself, “I’m tired, I don’t have anything left, I can’t keep going,” simply close your eyes and think about what your life would be like if you never met your goal. Next, open your eyes. Then with boldness shout, “Yes, I Can!” and press as if your very last breath depended on it.” By redefining what success looked like, Pauline changed how she felt, and now leads a happier, easier, and more successful life.

The Chicken or the Egg?
So what comes first your perspective or your perception? You may think it is your perspective, (your point of view) that determines your perception. (what things mean) In reality it is the perception of our reality that controls our perspective. Our perspectives come from our perceptions and our perceptions are created from our beliefs. The creation of beliefs are the subject of much work, and we won’t unpack that here, but we can tell you that – as the John Maxwell Team President Paul Martinelli teaches – beliefs are created one of two ways. Either through repetition, (something you learn/see/do over and over and over again) or through a dramatic emotional impact. Once we have a belief about something, we use that to perceive meaning from our circumstances and surroundings. For instance, Pauline believed that perfection meant success. Therefore, when she got a result that was less than perfect, she perceived that to mean that she was a failure. Her perspective of the world was that there are two kinds of people. Perfect and imperfect. Failures and Winners. Either/or. What Pauline finally learned through her work and association with the John Maxwell Team is that if we break our old beliefs, we can condition our minds to perceive differently. Once we do that, we can create a brand new perspective. Pauline chuckled, “I didn’t realize how much time I have wasted and how in denial I was about me being a perfectionist.”

Treat the Cause, not the Symptom
You may want to shift someone’s perspective on a certain issue. The better course is to first understand why they have that perspective (what perceptions and beliefs are at play) and then work to help them change those perceptions or beliefs. A word to the wise, many folks are attached to their beliefs and resulting perceptions, so be sure to do it in a way that is positive, supportive, and always comes from a value oriented perspective. After all, that’s what the John Maxwell Team is all about! Adding value and growing others. It takes time, but it’s definitely worth it. Like Pauline found out, change your perception, change everything. Why do you think perception and perspective are important? Leave a comment below, we’d love to learn from YOU!

The Pain & The Aspirin: The Benefits of Post Game Reviews

Bridging the gap between athletes and coaches is a critical aspect of fostering a successful and cohesive sports team. The post-game review process, facilitated through self-assessment by athletes after every game and competition, serves as a powerful bridge in this endeavor. When this vital communication link is absent, a range of pain points emerges, hindering the team's progress and potential for growth.

One prominent pain point of neglecting post-game self-assessment is the lack of individual accountability and understanding. Without a structured mechanism for athletes to reflect on their performance, they may miss valuable opportunities for personal growth and skill development. This absence of self-awareness can contribute to recurring issues, as athletes may not recognize patterns in their play or areas that require improvement.

Another significant pain point is the potential breakdown in communication between coaches and athletes. Coaches often rely on accurate and insightful feedback to tailor training programs and strategies. Without athletes actively participating in the review process, coaches may struggle to grasp the nuanced challenges faced by their players. This lack of understanding can impede the establishment of trust and collaboration between coaches and athletes, hindering the overall team dynamic.

Conversely, when athletes engage in post-game self-assessment, the benefits are far-reaching. Firstly, it cultivates a culture of accountability and responsibility within the team. Athletes become more attuned to their strengths and weaknesses, fostering a sense of ownership over their development. This heightened self-awareness lays the foundation for targeted and effective individualized training.

Moreover, the post-game review process through self-assessment becomes a catalyst for open communication. Athletes gain a platform to express their perspectives, concerns, and goals, creating a more transparent and collaborative environment. Coaches, armed with these insights, can refine their coaching strategies, address specific player needs, and make informed decisions about the team's overall development.

In essence, bridging the gap between athletes and coaches through post-game self-assessment is a transformative practice that mitigates pain points associated with communication breakdowns and lack of accountability. The benefits extend beyond individual player improvement to encompass a more cohesive team, ultimately leading to enhanced performance and success on the field.

by SD (Two Guys Who Blog)

Can you shift someone’s perspective?

It is certainly possible to shift a persons’ perspective on an issue. In order to do so, it’s important to understand why they feel the way they do. What are the perceptions and beliefs that are giving them a particular perspective? Once those perceptions are clear you can begin to change their perspective. Heed my warning when I say that people hold onto their beliefs and perceptions tightly so be careful in how you approach them.

The difference between perception and perspective seems visible on the surface but they are closely intertwined. Learn how to change your (or others) perception, and you can change almost anything.

“People only see what they are prepared to see.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Some people see the cup as half empty. Some people see the cup as half full. I see the cup as too large.” — George Carlin

Measuring The Gap between Subjective Perception & Objective Perspective through Feedback

Understanding the nuances of perception versus perspective is a pivotal aspect for coaches seeking to effectively interpret and utilize feedback received from their players through platforms like myPerforma. Perception refers to the individual's interpretation or awareness of a situation, while perspective involves considering various viewpoints to form a more comprehensive understanding. In the context of athlete feedback, coaches must recognize that perceptions are inherently subjective, influenced by personal experiences, emotions, and biases. On the other hand, perspectives strive to capture a more holistic and objective view of a given scenario.

When coaches receive feedback from players using myPerforma, it's crucial to discern the potential gap between perception and perspective. Players may express their perceptions of performance, training, or team dynamics based on their personal experiences and emotions. However, coaches must evaluate this feedback within the broader context of team dynamics, strategic objectives, and the collective experience of the entire team. Recognizing the gap between individual perceptions and the team's overall perspective allows coaches to navigate subjective feedback more effectively.

To determine this gap, coaches can implement a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, they should encourage open and honest communication, creating an environment where players feel comfortable sharing their perceptions without fear of judgment. Simultaneously, coaches can triangulate individual feedback with objective performance data collected through myPerforma and other sources. This data-driven approach helps in validating or challenging individual perceptions against broader team dynamics and performance metrics.

Furthermore, coaches should engage in active dialogue with players to understand the context behind their perceptions. By delving deeper into the factors influencing individual perspectives, coaches can gain valuable insights into the team's dynamics and identify potential areas for improvement. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of trust and mutual understanding between coaches and players, contributing to a more harmonious team environment.

For coaches learning to leverage feedback from players using myPerforma, the distinction between perception and perspective is paramount. By recognizing the subjective nature of individual perceptions and actively seeking a broader perspective through data analysis and open communication, coaches can bridge the gap effectively. This nuanced approach not only enhances the coach-player relationship but also contributes to more informed decision-making and overall team success.

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