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The Idea: The Communication Code.

In our most recent Webinar, BETTER co-founders Kevin DeShazo and Jeremie Kubicek, shared with coaches and ADs The Communication Code, Jeremie’s brand new book with Steve Cockram (if you weren’t able to join, you can watch it here). Essential for leaders in all spheres, particularly in athletics, this book introduces a framework for effective communication. It emphasizes principles and a toolkit that enhances clarity, empathy, and success in interactions.

This week, we wanted to highlight the Communication Code and its impact on leaders in athletics.

Research Insight: Communication - the Fuel for Relationships

In 2019, researchers in the UK and Portugal sought to examine how much the coach-athlete relationship actually impacts performance. It has long been held in sports psychology research that positive relationships correlate with positive performance. What these researchers wanted more insight into was how to build those positive relationships. What methods did coaches use and which ones were most effective?

These researchers expounded on many insights that have gone on to impact practices within coaching. In particular:

1. The use of “Communication Strategies”: Strategies that centered around motivation, support, and conflict management were identified as the key strategies that most impacted the coach-athlete relationships.

2. Mechanisms of Relationship Quality: The study highlighted the importance of interpersonal communication as the key factor that both affects and is affected by the quality of the coach-athlete relationship.

In other words…

1. Using strategies for communication is vital.

2. Interpersonal, one-on-one communication is the backbone of relationships.

Anecdote: The 5 Cs

Think of that friend. That friend that just seems to get you. You always look forward to being with them and when you walk away from them, you feel lighter. Interacting just seems so easy. It’s natural.

It’s not just magic. There are likely years of experience of subtle behavioral cues, verbal cues, inside jokes, and communication that has been built between you that allows you to communicate on the same page. It happens faster. You have (although largely unspoken) each other’s codes for being on the same page.

Now think of a time when someone has come to you for help. Someone brings you their issue and is expecting a specific response. You respond the way you know how to. After responding, the person on the other side of you reacts in a completely opposite way you were expecting. You realize you missed it completely.

Now, imagine if you could make every interaction like that first friend — not just personal interactions, but interactions at work, with your players, and with anyone you lead. You can’t have that with everyone. But, there are strategies you can use to move closer toward effective communication in every interaction. That is the Communication Code.

We can use the code to immediately establish why we are saying what we are about to say.

Critique, Collaborate, Clarify, Care, Celebrate.

How to use the CC for you:

So, what are the practices we can implement in our leadership today from the Communication Code:

1. Reflect: You guessed it. It starts with self-awareness and understanding your code first. Reflect. When you choose to speak, which “C” are you tending to start with the most?

2. Use the language: The more you increase your self-awareness, you can begin to use the language in your communication. “Can I celebrate you really quick?” Even if others don’t know the language - it creates bridges of communication.

3. Clarify for others: Begin to use it when receiving communication. When someone is saying something, even if they’re asking for input, start with clarify. “Are you asking me to collaborate with you? Or critique?”

4. Teach someone else: The point of the Communication Code is that it is designed for you to learn it and immediately apply it. Teach it to your key relationship at work, and your key personal relationship.

5. The Platinum Rule: We all know the Golden Rule. But it often gets misused. “I don’t like being celebrated, so why should you?” Instead, operate from the Platinum Rule (from Dr. Tony Allesandra). “Do unto others as they would want to be done to them.”

Closing Thought: 

The Communication Code is a simple tool and idea with self-awareness at its heart. It allows leaders to become adaptive communicators in the moment. This could solve a relationship issue you’re having. But, it also helps us master communication to be the person who gets the most out of each interaction and allows our people to feel heard, valued, and appreciated.

2024 Schedule

There are plenty of ways to get involved with us at BETTER. Whether it’s a 5 Voices Workshop for your team or a keynote, we are already filling our schedule for the Winter and Spring! If you're interested in having us inspire and engage with your team, email us at [email protected]. Secure a slot now and ensure your leaders or athletes receive the guidance and motivation they deserve to maximize their mindset, leadership, and performance!

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