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:

• Stanford Cardinal Profile: Website 
• Ep.102 Create Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel Website / YouTube 
• Ep.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure Website / YouTube 

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Tara VanDerveer, former Stanford University basketball coach.

(00:00:59) Building Trust and Openness

Fostering an environment where players feel comfortable being challenged and pushing themselves.

(00:01:52) Communicating Under Pressure

Strategies for speaking clearly and concisely during crucial moments in games.

(00:05:24) Motivation and Focus

Motivating a team during challenging times and keeping them focused after successes.

(00:07:26) The Value of Routine

The value and impact of routines in practice and performance.

(00:09:01) Positive Feedback and Praise

Balancing constructive criticism with positive feedback to foster player growth.

(00:10:46) Taking Risks

Insights on taking risks in career and coaching strategies.

(00:12:56) Dual Role of Coaching

The dual role of a coach in ensuring both athletic and personal growth for players.

(00:14:11) Handling Turnover and Onboarding

Managing player turnover and integrating new team members.

(00:16:39) Managing Emotions

Techniques for staying calm and focused during high-emotion situations.

(00:17:55) Handling Mistakes and Staying Positive

Methods for helping players move past mistakes and stay focused.

(00:19:35) Equity in Sports

Addressing and advocating for equity between women's and men's sports.

(00:21:21) Final Three Questions

Tara shares how to accept praise, two communicators she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:26:30) Conclusion