I met Shayna Hiller back in April of 2015 when she was teaching a Foundations of Yoga class in LA. We pretty much instantly hit it off – with her being a nutrition expert, yoga instructor, author and entrepreneur – we had a lot in common.
We’ve only known each other a few months, but have gotten together to discuss what’s working in our businesses and projects that we’re working on. Each quick to give each other advice on what we “should” be doing.
“Read this…”
“Do that…”
And, even though I knew her and what she did, after we met for the 3rd or 4th time I realized that something was missing.
And the more I thought about it it really bothered me. Until I finally realized I hadn’t done with her what I do with almost every player I work work with…
I hadn’t asked her what her dreams were, what her aspirations were and why she wanted to do what she wanted to do…
And the more I thought about it I don’t think you can truly add maximum value to someone else’s life until you ask those questions. You might be able to help here and there with little things, but you’re not going to be able to have a significant impact on their life because you don’t know what matters to them. What gets them going? What are they passionate about?
It’s like trying to help an elite level player without watching their game film first. You might help with some generic stuff, but you’re not going to impact.
Calipari talked a lot about this last fall at George Raveling’s Coaching For Success Academy.
He said, “my guys trust me because I ask them what their dreams are, what their aspirations are and then I do what I can to make those come true. It’s not about me it’s about them. And, when I take care of them as an individual it takes care of the team and a lot of other goals of the Kentucky program”
I know if you’re reading this you’re in a position to positively influence someone else’s life. So my question to you is this…
When was the last time you asked your player’s their dreams, hopes and aspirations?