How Not to Coach Someone

Growing up, I didn’t know anyone who golfed.

I’m not even sure my friends knew where the nearest golf course was.

But I had a charity event coming up and needed to learn how to swing fast, so I asked the only guy I knew who played.

He helped me, but his style was brutal.

He’d film my bad swings and send them to his golf buddies. I ignored it. I was just grateful someone was teaching me.

But every now and then, there’d be a flash of actual coaching.

“Focus on one dimple of the ball and don’t take your eyes off it.”

Fwhip.

“See? Much better.”

The one clear cue and the tiny bit of positive reinforcement.

That taught me something bigger than golf:

People learn faster when they feel safe enough to keep trying.

I’m grateful he taught me how not to coach someone.