This week we are going to start a new series inspired by lessons learned from working out.  We will start with deadlifting and coaching nudges focused on the right things.  This is inspired by an interaction I had with Rhonda Pacheco, so big shout out to her.

The other day I was chatting with Rhonda about work, life, and everything in between.  I can’t remember exactly how it happened, but we started to talk about exercising and lifting weights.  I had been struggling with deadlifting, so I asked her if she ever deadlifted.  When she said yes, I explained that even though I wasn’t lifting anything that heavy I could always feel it in my lower back, and I’d be sore for days.  This definitely shouldn’t be happening.  That’s when Rhonda said something along the lines of, “Sounds like something is off on your form.  The thing that helps me when I’m lifting are those small little cues to focus on.  For deadlifts, focus on pushing the ground down.  If you focus on pushing the ground down your body will naturally hinge in the right way and activate the right muscles.”  I didn’t believe it would be that simple.  The next time I did deadlifts I focused on pushing the ground down.  This felt SO DIFFERENT from what I had been doing before.  I was then able to do the reps without any soreness in my back and was able to add 10-15 pounds to my lifts.  #gains

What does this have to do with anything?  The coaching that Rhonda gave me was a small nudge focused on the right thing.  By helping me focus on the right thing with a tangible action, I was able to make large improvements.  She didn’t need a lot of words.  She didn’t need complicated models or verbiage.  She helped me focus on ONE SIMPLE THING.  Think about when you’ve received coaching in the past.  How often is it specific and focused enough that you know exactly what to do?  How often is it truly focused on the thing that matters?  Think about giving people coaching.  How clear is the advice that you give them?  How would following your advice have positive ripples in their work?

The challenge: How can you leverage small nudges to help people grow? 

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry