APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021 , Vol . 7
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Motivational Interviewing is , “ a communication style with techniques that allow you to draw out the wisdom and answers from the athletes ” ( Miller & Rollnick 2013 ). The authors explain that , “ you will recognise motivational interviewing in what you do , as it is rooted in well-established principles of good teaching , parenting , and coaching , in which a good relationship is central ”.
The book is authored mainly by people whose careers have been outside of sport , whose experience lies in supporting people who have wrestled with addiction and mental health issues . They have an advantage in approaching a book written for sports coaches with a fresh perspective , limiting bias in the world of sport coaching and credibility in their own right . When reflecting on the core themes within the text it is clear that motivational interviewing promotes an approach where people can find the motivation that they need within themselves .
The book takes time to explain motivational interviewing and highlights its connections with Self-Determination theory and the human appetite for autonomy , mastery and relatedness . Through the examples and scenarios that the book highlights , the tone is not about trying to drive change into an athlete ( which can be temporary and perhaps is something that coaches have historically done with the best intentions ), but to help people motivate themselves . There are plenty of strategies available for connecting rapidly , asking good questions ( likened to knocking on someone ’ s front door ) and active listening .
“ The more you invest in uncovering the athlete ’ s point of view , the more interested they will be in yours . If you dance rather than wrestle in a conversation with athletes , learning happens in front of your eyes .”
When studying the book , I felt composed to jump back and forward in the text . Because of the scenarios and tasks within the text , it is useful to navigate depending on challenges you may be facing right now in your coaching world . One chapter that stayed with me focused on the difference between praise and affirmation . The book defines praise and affirmation as :
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