By Lawrence Tomei
Communication seems to be a lost art. Yet, as any good leader will affirm, successful organizations are built around good communications. We live in an age in which communication takes many forms, but it remains a two-way street.
Early in my officiating career, I assumed coaches, players and my fellow officials knew how to send and receive communications. On or off the field, inside and outside the training meetings, I believed that my efforts to communicate were getting through. It didn’t take me long to realize that my assumptions were often wrong.
Sometimes to become a better communicator you need to adjust your style and personality. That was true in my case. I am intensely structured; attribute that to years in the military. I expect meetings to start on time with an agenda and someone in charge. And when the agenda items have been covered, the meeting is over.
Effective communications keep everyone on the same page. During a game, our contact with players, coaches and officials must leave no doubt as to a call. The same holds true for training meetings. While you want members to contribute to training scenarios and offer experience, you cannot allow sidebar conversations and diversions from agenda topics to result in extended meetings or incomplete coverage of today’s important subjects.
So, let’s break down some effective communications tools: first, one-to-one communications; then, communicating in a meeting environment.
Communicate Effectively One-on-One
Experts have found that some people understand better when you take them aside and talk to them face to face. Others find technology-enhanced tools more productive. Whatever modality you choose, there are some basic constructs to follow when communicating with individuals:
1. Pick the best modality. Nothing replaces face-to-face communication. We quickly build a bond that sets the foundation for trust and lasting relationships. However, it’s not always feasible or economical. Email is a good way to get your message across when the person is hard to reach or misses meetings. It also provides a record of your communications, leaving a digital trail of contacts and replies.
2. Display a professional demeanor. That ensures that the seriousness of your message is not lost. The ability to communicate clearly in all situations, and to communicate professionally when you are wearing the uniform, will help achieve your goals.
3. Use proper grammar. Words like “we, us, we’re, our and ourselves” make it seem like we are all on the same team with a common goal or concern.
4. Maintain eye contact. It shows that you are interested and yet confident because of your willingness to face individuals directly.
5. Display a pleasant demeanor. Smiling often builds rapport.
6. Listen. Keep your focus on what others are saying instead of focusing on what you’re going to say next. Remember, communication runs both ways; don’t just talk.
7. Seek feedback. It’s difficult to measure the effectiveness of your message without hearing from others.
Communicate Effectively in a Training Meeting
Building a strong and effective chapter motivates members to join and, more importantly, to stay. Communicating passion for your sport and dedication to the organization is best handled via open meetings. In that forum, members will not only hear what you are saying, they will also see it, feel it and make it their own. Here are some communication tips that lead to more effective training meetings.
1. Use variety. Mix the training media and methods as well as the presenter. For some, the message is better grasped when pictures/sounds are involved; PowerPoint is effective, but it can be overdone. For others, more than one interpreter fosters deeper understanding as different presenters will offer unique commentary on rules, the casebook and mechanics.
2. Employ repetition. Repetition can be an effective element of any training program. Because learning styles and speeds differ, trainers should build repetition and reinforcement into their programs. There are ways to do it without becoming boring or annoying. For example, by focusing on specific chapters of the rulebook, followed by questions and answers, the intricacies of the rules and their application during a game can be reinforced. Another strategy is to change your approach each time — the same material, but with a new spin. When you’re trying to convince someone to do something, repetition works.
3. Administer training in small doses. Some chapters deliver their training in shorter bursts — 60 minutes is usually the maximum. Most people get “burned out” if they get too much information at one time. Rules and mechanics are less daunting if delivered a little at a time across several sessions, rather than covering a full topic each meeting.
4. Apply knowledge right away. It’s easy to forget something if you don’t use it. Classroom training should, whenever possible, be followed by actual field or court conditions. Take every opportunity to encourage your members to practice. The more you do something, the more instinctive it will become — and the better you’ll get at it. Communication in a classroom is best when followed by real-world practice. Many officials mistakenly abandon youth leagues and intramural games once they attain varsity status. A short-sighted notion since we often see more challenging rules and mechanics situations in a couple of midget games than in a full season of varsity play.
5. Solicit feedback. As with one-on-one communication, feedback reinforces learning. A formal quiz will strengthen the learning experience. In fact, success on frequent quizzes boosts confidence.
There is plenty more to learn about how to communicate with your membership, individually or together as a chapter. Understanding the difference between communicating one-on-one versus groups is the first step. Get the most from your time.
Lawrence Tomei is a longtime football official and the vice provost for academic affairs at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh.
Loading ...
