Are you falling into the “Good Job” trap?

Each and every time our players, kids and teammates come off the ice, we say “Good job”.

It doesn’t seem to matter if it was the best shift ever or if the team got scored on – we say the same thing (and sometimes add the occasional pat on the back).

You might ask how giving positive reinforcement could be seen as something negative?

Because young female hockey players need positive personalized feedback.

We need to stop being “broken records”.

Think about the message you are sending if you simply say “Good job” every time players come off the ice.

Let’s say a player goes out and scores a goal and then has a disastrous next shift.

If you say “Good job” after each of these shifts,
aren’t you giving them mixed messages?

I am as guilty as the next person of doing this.

It is hard to make it personal and specific when you are trying to focus on the next shift or play out on the ice.

But giving positive personalized feedback will have tremendous benefits that extend beyond the player who receives it. You don’t need to say something to each and every player after each and every shift, but you need to make a real effort to provide specific constructive feedback on a consistent basis.

If you want to improve as a team and as an individual,
you have to focus on helping those around you improve.  

So instead of mindlessly saying ‘Good job’ each time your teammates, kids or players come off the ice, take the time and make the effort to give out a few personalized positive comments throughout the course of the game.

It will show them that you are really paying attention and have their best interests in mind.

You’ll soon see why “Good job” is never good enough.

Work Hard. Dream BIG.

Your friend and coach,

Kim