153. Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication

Tara VanDerveer has more wins than any other coach in NCAA basketball history. But as she says, motivating and leading teams isn’t about barking orders. Communication, she says, “It starts, number one, with listening.”

For VanDerveer, leadership isn’t about a power dynamic, but a collaboration between her and her team. “I can't do it by myself and they can't do it by themselves. But as a team, we can,” she says. From seeking opinions from her assistant coaches to connecting with players about life outside the gym, VanDerveer recognizes that championships are won through communication. “The relationships that you have with your players, the communication that you have with them, will determine your success as a coach,” she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, VanDerveer and host Matt Abrahams explore more communication insights from on and off the court — being clear and concise, giving praise and positive feedback, and letting go of perfectionism.

Episode Reference Links:

Tara VanDerveerEp.102 Create Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can FeelEp.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure

Connect:

Premium Signup • >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io Episode Transcripts • >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>> LinkedIn • , Instagram • , YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>> LinkedIn

******** Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.