Positive Charting For Coaching

Positive charting for coaching is simple - but not necessarily easy. It requires effort, the effort to observe. It is totally amazing what you can see if you look hard enough.

Directions

As coaches we tend to think that we add value by finding things that are done incorrectly and improving them. But it is equally important to find things that are being done correctly and reinforce them so competitors will continue them. Positive charting for coaches is a method for increasing the number of "right things" that your competitors do. It also creates a wonderful positive atmosphere in which competitors are more receptive to being corrected because they feel appreciated.

Here's how Positive Charting For Coaches works:

1. Create a positive charting coaching form. Write the name of each competitor in a box on a positive charting coaching form. If there is a specific action you want to look for with that competitor (for example, good combinations in sparring, good stances in kata) write it in a space marked "Look-For."
2. Look for the positive things competitors do. Whenever you see one, jot a note under the competitor's name. (Over time you'll develop your own shorthand. The key is to write enough so you'll remember it when you get to step #5 below.) Remember to look for the things that competitors do to encourage each other as well as their physical actions.
3. Make sure you have about the same number of comments (3-5 is good) for each competitor. You may have to look hard with some competitors. And you may have to limit the number of comments for the advanced competitors. Be disciplined: at the end of the competition you should have 3-5 items for each competitor.
4. Be honest. Don't be tempted to make something up or write something that isn't true about any competitor. This is the hard part - you have to find something positive about each competitor. It may be a small thing, but you can find it if you look hard enough.
5. At your next practice, begin with a quick team meeting in which you review your positive charting with your team. Take each competitor in turn and share with the group the positives. This should take no more than 30 seconds or so per competitor.
6. Enjoy the positive energy of your competitors during practice.
7. Always remember that for each constructive comment that you give a competitor, you will need to add four to five positive comments as well.