Are You Coachable?
. . . a simple question.
Being coachable means that you can form a relationship with a coach that is beneficial to both you, the coach, and the team (if you are rowing on one as compared to a single sculler). It does not mean that you just listen to what a coach says and then do what you want.
College coaches want people who are coachable—pure and simple.
The coach is building a team and coachability is a critical component. One reason is that many incoming rowers will not row like a college coach wants them to. The coach and team will have a certain style and often rowers are asked to change their technique, or style, or even sides to help them develop, and to fit in with the current team.
To make that happen you need to be c-o-a-c-h-a-b-l-e.
James Lavin, in his book Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From Patsies to Triple Super Bowl Champs discusses one of the keys to the Pats success is having coachable athletes. Coachable athletes make all the difference.
So what about it, are you coachable?
Here are a few questions that might give you an insight into the answer:
- Do you think you have a lot to learn about rowing?
- Do you have a difficult time making changes when asked to?
- Are you willing to do the work it takes to make changes to improve your style/technique?
- Can you speak honestly with a coach?
And probably one of the best sources that can tell you if you are coachable is your current coach. Ask him or her, and then listen to the response.
The answer is something you need to know and could help you excel, and find the right collegiate rowing program.
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