The Triangle of Success is made up of skill, will (motivation) and clarity, and gives coaches a structure to examine their coaching and communication, and identifies how to maximize players’ performances.

Great coaches know that so much of the team’s success is down to them. Research shows that the quality of the manager, team leader or coach is the single biggest factor in the team’s long-term success. This is a tool to support that journey:

Skill:

• Have I identified the precise skills required to have my players be successful?

• Have I explicitly coached these skills? Have I given opportunities for the skill to be practiced independently, guided in a group setting, modeled, practiced under pressure in game-like scenarios?

• Have the execution of the skills become habitual?

Will/Motivation:

• Are the players motivated to follow the plans/learn the skills? Do they understand the “why”, that is, the purpose of the plan/skill/expectation and how it fits into the larger game plan?

• Does the coach know what motivates each player? For example, some are motivated through deep, personal relationships. Others need a sense of harmony and trust in the team. Some players are motivated by goals set for them, and others like being recognized and making a mark.

Clarity:

• Is there clarity around my expectations? Do the players know what is expected of them? If I asked them to write down my expectations, could they?

• Is there clarity around the game plan? Can they explain it back to me and their team mates? Can they show me diagrammatically?

• Have I been explicit?

The Triangle of Success enables you to be more intentional about your interactions with players, and gives you a tool to diagnose areas that need improvement, ultimately bringing out the best in your team.