I watched a PGA Tour event recently while working on some projects. Just before the event coverage began I caught the end of The Haney Project. The show features a celebrity who would like to improve their golf game under the direction of professional golf coach, Hank Haney.
Charles Barkley sought to conquer his quirky golf swing in the inaugural season. The show’s second season featured comedian, Ray Romano. In the new season that began this week, Haney’s latest pupil brings a very different set of challenges – Rush Limbaugh “knows” what all his problems are. Much of the airtime was filled with Rush explaining to Hank what he thought needed to be corrected.
What caught my attention was Haney’s remarkable ability to relate to and instruct three very different students. I noted three fundamental principles demonstrated by Haney with all three…
1. Listen
This might seem counter-intuitive – the coach listened to the student? A great teacher listens to the student before selecting a teaching method or attempting to teach. Why? Because every student learns differently. There are significant differences between the three “projects” – Charles’ quirky swing and his progress (or lack of progress) throughout the series led me to conclude that he should consider a hobby other than golf. Romano’s sense of humor did not overshadow his intent dedication to improve his swing. And at first glance Limbaugh appears to be a hopeless know-it-all. Yet Haney listened and observed attentively the each student before diagnosing their individual needs. If you are going to lead, you must first listen.
2. Make it fun
One of the most effective ways to learn something, is to have fun doing it. Several years ago I made a life decision – If it’s not fun, I’m not doing it. I love my work and I love doing it. I love my team and I love the difference we’re making. And since I give 100% of my passion and energy to everything I do, it’s got to be fun. It’s obvious that Haney and the guys were having a blast – as a result they all made progress – even Charles!
3. Everybody needs a coach
Ray admitted that as he watched the interactions Haney and Barkley in season one, he realized that Haney was the golf coach that he had been searching for all his life. Rush acknowledged in this week’s episode, “Even I, the great El Rushbo (whatever that means), need a teacher.” Somewhere along the way, Haney discovered that to be effective, he must be able to coach individuals with diverse personalities, backgrounds, and challenges. We all need a coach.
Now it’s you’re turn! Have you ever known a teacher who was a great listener? How do you make your work fun? Who is your coach?
What does Haney’s new book about Tiger Woods tell you about his teaching?
Well, I sure as hell try to make it fun
As a new trainer, I am constantly searching for new ideas to improve my training sessions. I totally agree on the fun part. There is nothing worse than sitting through a boring presentation. I also agree on having a coach or mentor. We can all learn new things and improve.
I agree, John. And I enjoy learning from you, my friend.
Coaching for me was a lot about knowing what to confront and what to ignore. There’s always a million things to confront, but you can’t do them all at once.
Great thoughts Ross! Thanks!
reading this from teacher’s perspective. spring break is over this weekend and then it’s the end of the year, practically. love how this post makes me think….
That’s great Kendal! Enjoy the rest of your school year!