Simple Questions to Build Better Relationships
july 2, 2021 | WORDS BY ryan blackwell
Building true relationships is a difficult yet rewarding task. As you first start coaching or even when a new member walks into your gym, it seems relatively simple to show off the product, coach your butt off and immediately assume the trust is there. This isn’t always the case for a lot of people.
We as coaches absolutely need to take an interest and care about the people that we are coaching. Your capacity to care and show an interest is going to keep your members much more engaged and bought in as opposed to just spitting out factual information about fitness. I have a few questions I use to get a better gauge of how I am coaching. These have helped me build better relationships. Better relationships means I can be a more effective coach to them!
How are you doing today?
What seems like an obvious and very simple question has a huge impact. We want to emphasize the point of today. Don’t fall into a lull of just spitting out the phrase and not listening. This question can really tell you so much about your athletes. Listen to how they answer it. Was there any sort of pause? Any elongated answer? A response with a smile? If you really pay attention you are going to be able to really evaluate and know exactly how you are going to be able to coach that individual today.
What do you like to do for fun?
Simple question again, but one that can pack a punch. Finding out what an athlete does for fun can help us leverage how we can push them for later on! Oh, your athlete really likes to hike? Here we go with being able to push a bit harder on Squats and Deadlifts workouts. They mentioned they enjoy spending time with their kids and having fun with them? Get ready to push on cardio and some upper body strength day! Use what they like to do for fun to your advantage! These can help you know when to push and give them extra boost of motivation they may need to complete the given task.
What do you want to get better at doing?
What a mind blowing question?!?! It is not too crazy to ask your athlete what they want to get better at doing. If anything this could be one of the very most important questions because they are actually telling you what they want. You have everything they need to be successful and now you have the answer to get there. This can be especially powerful for those grizzled vets and high level athletes. I know sometimes when I have Jason take one of my classes that one of the first questions I ask is that. How do I help provide value to him? Simple question with a powerful response!
These are just three very simple questions we can use as leverage to really get a better grasp of our athletes and really build strong relationships. Above all else though you must take an interest and actually listen to what they are saying. It is all well and good to ask and say, ‘Boom. Done.’ However, if you don’t listen to how they are saying it, then you’re missing a piece of the puzzle. I’d be interested to hear what your go to questions are to get to know someone better! Message me and let's have a discussion!
