Your attitude is vital when gaining athletes trust

I recently read an article on how cueing and coaching play a vital role in how athletes respond to you.  I couldn't agree more.  But I want to take that a step further by adding that your attitude and demeanor play a larger role.  What I mean by that is your ability to respond to the situation and athlete is more important.  Every athlete's needs and psychological state is different and to be able to gain their trust you must be able to read them.  

For example, take a minor league baseball player that has some rotator cuff tendinopathy but wants to get to the big leagues.  Many of these guys are barely making ends meet trying to get to the majors and keep their dream alive.  As a medical professional you have an obligation to try to help them get there.  It's about trust with your athletes.  They need to be able to trust that you have their best interest at heart.  For some, it will be as easy as educating them.  For others you will have to show them day in and day out that you care.  

Another thing you will have to understand is that they have a certain way of doing things.  Many times if you are a new clinician in their lives they are going to be reluctant to change.  Thats okay.  It's your job to figure out if what they are doing is absolutely putting them at risk or if it's just not perfectly optimal.  Trying to force change is surely a way to get them to not trust you.  Many times when that is the case you can let their team (or agent, or front office) know this so that your communication is on point.  You may be able to change their way of doing things over time but don't try to force things.  

Coaching and cueing is definitely important when dealing with your athletes.  Don't forget that your attitude and demeanor play a larger role.  Read each athlete and understand what drives them and what THEY want.  You may not always agree with them but you can't help them if they don't trust you.  

​- Brian

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