View from the other side of the glass
Dustin's Experience at the Zoo
One day, my wife and I took our kids to the zoo. We were having a great time with our kids, taking them to see all the different animals.
We got to the lions, and they were sleeping. We were all disappointed. Being the excitable guy I am, I decided to try to get the lion's attention so my kids could see them up close and personal. I hope to get up on the ledge and let out a big roar like a lion.
Nothing happened.
My wife gave me a look and said, “Don’t do it…”. I disregard her. I do it again, just a little louder this time, and the lion appears to wake up but does not move. My wife looked embarrassed at this point, but my kids were laughing and looking excited, so I felt excited.
One more time, a little louder and goofier again, and the lion starts walking towards us. I felt like a million bucks! My kids are pumped. My wife looks more embarrassed and frustrated with me. However, with the adrenaline of the lion walking towards us and my kids excitedly pushing me, I climb up on the ledge against the window and let out one more roar.
This time, the lion leapt at me and roared ferociously. It hits the glass and falls down. Now, my kids were terrified, and my wife was appalled. I got my wits about me when I saw a zoo employee walking towards us. He came up calmly and told us that we would need to leave the zoo. I explained to him that I was just trying to get the lion's attention, and I did not mean in any way to put him in a position where he had to kick us out. He told me he understood and realized my intentions were not bad, but I still had to leave.
As he walked us out, I felt embarrassed and apologized profusely. Once again, he was understanding but firm. But he also told me something I will always remember. He said that he understood what I was doing and why, but I did not consider how it appeared to the lion on the other side of the glass. To the lion, there was a crazy person invading his home and causing stress for it and its family. All of a sudden, I felt sad, silly, and even more apologetic. However, I felt grateful for his words. On the way home, we talked about how, as a family, our actions can be interpreted differently by people “on the other side of the glass.”.
Rob and I’s hope with the Impactful Coaching Project is to have coaches view coaching from the “other side of the glass.” It doesn’t really matter if our intentions are good if our athletes do not feel cared for and are not in an environment where they can excel.
Stuff That Is Making Us Think
Culture of Growth: Building off Carol Dweck’s “Growth Mindset”, Mary Murphy explores mindset from a cultural and organizational standpoint.
Think Again: Adam Grant, one of Rob’s favorite thinkers, explores rethinking our preconceived ideas and how to accept, and even celebrate, being wrong and adapting.
Check Out the “Beyond Coaching” Podcast
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