MEDIA

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A competitive sports league is one arena where leaders are known for their tough-talk. After all, a coach’s job is on the line if the team doesn’t perform. Alex Molden, a former NFL player, says, “In the NFL, feedback was a huge component of player development. We had meetings and watched films before and after practice every day, and, as you can probably guess, feedback was flowing freely.”

Molden learned from his coaches and has some recommendations for managers:

• The best coaches and managers will deliver a “feedback sandwich,” which means acknowledging their efforts, identifying an area that needs improvement, and then following up with a positive point again.
• Feedback should be delivered behind closed doors where employees feel safe. When criticism is delivered publicly, a bruised ego can keep employees from processing your comments.
• Deliver employee feedback swiftly and choose your words carefully. Try to avoid expressing anger or disappointment and remain objective. Most people hate feeling like they’re letting someone down, and both the manager and employee can feel uncomfortable by the situation.

According to Alex Molden, a former NFL defensive back who now coaches high school football and is a father of eight, kids need to understand that sports are not who they are, it’s just what they do.

“Find out their likes and what drives them,” he says. Then encourage them to develop a robust “movement library,” as Molden calls it—something that doesn’t require deep pockets.

Opportunities like recreational soccer, football, basketball, golf, and lacrosse are typically more affordable options for year-round skills development than some of the more intensive, sports-specific travel programs. They also prevent the burnout many kids suffer when focusing too much on one sport—something that doesn’t make a huge difference in the early years, says Molden.

Align. Assign. Adjust.

One of Alex Molden’s coaches in the NFL gave him this sage advice, which we dive into in this conversation.

Ever since, Alex has carried those principles into business (he’s an in-demand professional speaker and 1-on-1 coach for high achievers) and in life (he’s a father of 8!), as well as in practicing his faith.