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OUR VOICE –
Over the past month I have traveled to several different states and have met with coaches and players from both the NBA and collegiate levels.
I spend a significant amount of time preparing my message, along with the plan and strategies I share. Traveling home on a long flight, something hit me like never before – as a coach and leader we must be so intentional and aware of our VOICE. Not just the volume, sound, and tone but the message others consistently hear from it and the impact it carries.
First - It’s necessary for every coach and leader to realize the IMPACT and affect our voice has on others – Our voice matters. We have to know what our voice is doing…
Voices can lift up or tear down.
Voices can instill confidence or inflict pain.
Voices can teach or criticize.
Voices can simplify or confuse.
Voices can connect or separate.
Second – It’s vital for every coach and leader to have clarity on what they want their voice to represent. I’ve chosen 3 things I want players and coaches to know they will get when they hear my voice. These are my 3 and this is how I would define them -
1. Truth - A level of authenticity that does not waver.
2. Consistency - A steadiness in commitment and expectation levels.
3. Accountability - Holding myself and others to a higher standard of excellence.
Third – After working on the steps above, I took a self-assessment of my voice this past week and then asked a player to assess me on what he hears from my voice the most. If these 2 assessments are not aligning with what you want your voice doing and what your voice represents – then it’s time to get to work and get BETTER!
Separator – Usually if our voice with others is not good it starts within. Number 1, our own voice in our head and heart must be right. How we speak to ourselves, what we consistently tell ourselves, is the foundation of the voice that comes out to others! This is something I have struggled with for a very long time – if my mind is filled with self-negativity, frustration, and criticism – that becomes the lens I see others who I work with through. It is vital to fill our minds with purpose, passion, and truth!
- Phil Beckner
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