Systemic Coaching Talent-Centered © #3

A small glimpse into the theoretical background - curious?

After last week's match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München gave me the perfect springboard for a post, today I'd like to return to a more matter-of-fact look at the concept I coined, Systemic Coaching Talent-Centered ©, and give you a small glimpse into its theoretical background.

We had listed - and shown in the diagram - the relevant social elements (key reference persons) from a talent-centered perspective: parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, friends, club officials, and the player's agent. A systemic coach can work with all of these people to smooth the path for a talent or several talents. Talent-centered doesn't mean that I only interact with the player - rather, the player is at the focus of the approach. When reference persons are open to coaching and a dialogue with them, possibly together with the player, seems worthwhile, then we work noticeably more efficiently. In my accounts, alongside the talent, I often mention only the parents and the coach, because they usually have the most direct and greatest influence on the player's development. However, I don't mean to exclude the other reference persons by this - they are simply brought in, at the earliest, after a session with the talent and based on the talent's own wish.

For the sake of completeness, I'd also like to point out once again that coaching means accompanying healthy clients (coachees) in order to support them in their development. In the case of clinical conditions, such as compulsions or anxiety disorders, I refer my coachees to psychotherapists or psychiatrists.

During a coaching session, it also occasionally happens that I switch from the role of coach to that of advisor. That's the case when my own experience can help make the coachee's decisions easier. Whenever that happens, I point it out before giving any advice.

That should sufficiently outline the framework of coaching for today, and I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Here's a glimpse into the theoretical background of my coaching work: the Dilts Pyramid!

The Dilts Pyramid consists of six levels and represents different aspects of change and personal growth. What do these levels help us with? In short: with the question of where to focus during coaching. The coach has to recognize at which level the coachee currently needs support with regard to their development. Issues at one level are best addressed with questions at that same level or the level above it, as long as you stay within your own sphere of influence.

Environment: The outer level, relating to external conditions, circumstances, and resources.

Example: By adjusting his equipment - shoes with better cushioning and a special insole - the player can avoid knee problems after training sessions and matches on artificial turf.

Behavior: The level of a person's measurable behavior and actions.

Example: After a nutrition consultation, the contents of the fridge get reorganized. High-protein foods, fruit, and vegetables move into view. Less healthy items are banished or moved to a less visible spot. This positively influences the athlete's eating behavior.

Capabilities and Skills: The level of the abilities, skills, and techniques a person possesses.

Example: A player practices short bursts of acceleration triggered by a visual cue to train his football-specific speed, or does brain training with exercises from Life Kinetik® to form new synapses.

Beliefs and Values: The level of the beliefs, values, and principles that influence a person's behavior and decisions.

Example: Since it's especially topical right now, I'd like to give a negative example here that illustrates this level, as well as the level of identity, very clearly. Through the coach's public statements, their constant repetition in the media, and also through call-ups or non-call-ups, players like Leon Goretzka or Joshua Kimmich are indirectly told that they are not a "holding six" and/or, therefore, not good enough to take on leadership responsibility in Bayern's midfield. This uncertainty causes things to stop going as well, and over time the belief takes root that they are not able to take on that central responsibility.

Identity: The level where a person's self-image, roles, goals, and visions reside.

Example: Building on the example above, the identity in question is that of not being a "holding six" or not being a leader on the pitch. By denying Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich the identity of being a holding six or a leading player, Thomas Tuchel called their identity into question - and shook their beliefs and values as well.

Belonging and Spirituality: The highest level, relating to the connection to something greater, to community, and to spirituality.

Example: A mentoring program in which, for instance, a club's former top athlete introduces a new player - especially in his early phase - to his surroundings, but also to the club's values and vision, creates in the new signing a sense of belonging and a belief in something shared, something greater.

By asking my coachee targeted questions related to the relevant level, or the level above it, I accompany them through their steps of development.

I hope that with this introduction to the Dilts Pyramid I've given you a small glimpse into the theoretical foundations of my coaching. Of course, there's much more that could be added, but that would go beyond the scope of this post.

WITH CLARITY, FOCUS, AND COMPOSURE TOWARD OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT

Until then! Stay healthy, and always a good match!