I’ve been watching the Tennessee Titans mini camp workouts and was struck by an obvious point.
Assistant coach Jim Washburn is so animated and vocal with his players that you can hear him from anywhere on the field. He rides his players like a rented mule but it never sounds mean spirited. The minute he’s made his point it’s over. He’ll be at their side laughing or teaching, but never gnawing on past mistakes.
You can tell, just from the tone of his voice that he likes them and wants to push them, but not break their spirit. He’s considered one of the best in the NFL at his position.
To a man, the players he coaches have told me that they never take anything personal when he chews them out because they know he cares for them as a person, but he just won’t put up with not trying.
There’s a proverb that says “what’s in your heart will eventually come out of your mouth”.
You can’t fake caring. That’s true in coaching as well.
