You can't coach height

...But you can coach players and employees to play tall.

Are some people just wired in a certain way that makes them incapable of changing? Are some traits predetermined by genetics and therefore cannot be significantly improved through training?

As a manager or a coach you need to ask yourself these questions as you deal with employees and players that never seem to change.

I coach youth basketball. Every year I comment that I have the smallest team in the league. But every year I also comment to one or more of the parents how the tall the kids play. You might not be able to coach height but you can absolutely coach how to play tall.

I believe you can teach players and employees how to play tall through:

1) Practice to improve

Players and employees need to recognize their weaknesses and improve them. If you don't have a left hand you're not going to want to place that player in a situation where they need that to be successful. In business if you are not a good public speaker you are not going to put your employee in the situation where they have to make a public presentation until they are ready. The same is true for your strengths, you need to recognize what they are and use them to your advantage in games and meetings.

This is really important. If you are a good 3 point shooter get yourself open. If you are very analytical, try to provide a summary of the meeting to make sure everyone had the same understanding.

Play to your strengths, improve your weaknesses.

2) Position yourself so you always have options

This is called many different things. some say, "skate to the puck", I've heard others say, "throw ahead of the runner.".. Whatever the term you use it all means the same.

I tell my players and employees to never back themselves into a corner. When you run out of options you've held the ball too long. When you've locked yourself into a position you've lost the ability to influence.

Always leave yourself options to make things happen.

3) Fake it till you make it

I know I stole this but it works. If you do nothing else do this and eventually it will become habit.

Even if you aren't six feet tall make believe you are.


Feel free to comment here or send me your personal stories at rgoldberg@stagesofinnovation.com.

Rob Goldberg 2009