Building Stronger Teams: The Role of Soft Skills in Athlete Relationships

By, Mark Christiani– O2X On-Site Specialist

In the world of tactical human performance, success is often measured in metrics like improved ACFT score, higher 1RM, faster 2 mile, and reduced injury rates. These numbers are critical, but as experienced coaches know, there’s much more to the equation beyond sets and reps. The true impact of a coach often lies in their ability to build meaningful relationships with their athletes and leverage those connections to drive lasting behavior change.

In my experience the focus on soft skills, empathy, communication, trust, and influence, is sometimes overlooked in the data driven world of tactical human performance. Yet, these intangible elements are often what makes the difference between average programs and one that creates lasting, sustainable change. We will cover strategies coaches can use to foster trust, influence behavior, and ensure their programs leave a lasting legacy.

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful coach athlete relationship, particularly for tactical athletes whose careers often hinge on their physical performance. Shared experiences, such as being a veteran, can strengthen this trust by fostering camaraderie and mutual respect, creating a robust foundation for collaboration.

Active listening is crucial to building trust. Coaches must take time to understand their athletes’ unique goals and challenges. Tactical athletes face diverse stressors deployment schedules, family obligations, and more that shape their performance. By showing genuine interest and engaging in what excites the athlete, coaches demonstrate they care about the individual, not just performance metrics (Bartholomew 20017).

Consistency further solidifies trust. Reliable coaches follow up and follow through on commitments, show up prepared, and deliver on promises. This reliability fosters credibility, encouraging athletes to commit to programs and recommendations.

Without trust, even the most scientifically advanced training plans fall flat. By listening actively, respecting athletes’ contexts, and being dependable, coaches can build meaningful relationships that drive performance and success.

Creating Positive Influence

Once trust is established, coaches can begin to influence behavior in meaningful ways. Influence isn’t about coercion or authority, it’s about guiding athletes toward choices that align with their goals and values. This requires a nuanced understanding of each athlete’s motivations and barriers.

An effective strategy is motivational interviewing, a conversational approach designed to bring out intrinsic motivation. Rather than telling athletes what they should do, coaches can ask open ended questions that help them find their own reasons for change. For example, instead of saying, “You need to improve your aerobic capacity,” a coach might ask, “How do you think improving your endurance could help you perform better on the ACFT?” This shift in approach fosters autonomy and empowers athletes to take ownership of their progress (Passmore 2011).

Positive reinforcement is another powerful tool. Set athletes up for success by scheduling winnable situations. Acknowledging small wins and celebrating progress, such as completing a challenging training session, can boost morale and reinforce desired behaviors. For tactical athletes, who are often under higher than average pressure, these moments of recognition can be especially meaningful.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Resistance to change is a common challenge in tactical human performance programs. Whether stemming from skepticism, fear of failure, or a mindset of “this is how it’s always been,” overcoming resistance requires patience and persistence.

One way to address resistance is through education. Tactical athletes are highly trained professionals who value competence and expertise. By explaining the “why” behind certain training protocols or lifestyle recommendations, coaches can help athletes see the rationale and benefits of adopting new behaviors. For example, a coach might explain how a specific run warm-up enhances performance and reduces injury risk, rather than simply mandating its use (Sinek 2009).

Building small, achievable steps into a program can also help athletes ease into change. Instead of overhauling their entire exercise program, coaches can introduce one or two changes and gradually build from there. This approach reduces overwhelming athletes and allows them to experience the benefits of change firsthand, increasing their willingness to take on more.

The Long-Term Impact of Relationship-Centered Coaching

While metrics like 1RM and VO2 max improvements are important, the true measure of success in tactical human performance programs is their sustainability. Athletes who feel supported, and valued are more likely to maintain their training and lifestyle changes over the long term.

Relationship centered coaching creates a ripple effect. Athletes who experience positive change often become advocates for the program, encouraging their peers to participate and will further foster a culture of performance excellence. Word of mouth is a coach’s best friend. Over time, this culture can transform entire units, enhancing not only individual outcomes but also overall readiness.

Practical Tips for Building Soft Skills

For coaches looking to enhance their soft skills and improve their impact, here are a few practical tips:

• Practice Active Listening: Give your full attention to what your athletes are saying and reflect their thoughts back to confirm understanding.This not only builds trust but also provides valuable insight into their needs and concerns.
• Be Approachable: Create an environment where athletes feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and asking questions. The mean faced, angry, strength and conditioning coach needs to be replaced with a smiling, friendly, nonjudgmental demeanor fostering open communication.
• Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: When athletes face obstacles, work with them to identify actionable solutions rather than dwelling on what’s wrong. This reinforces a growth mindset and builds resilience.
• Continue Your Education: Soft skills, like any other aspect of coaching, require ongoing development. Seek out workshops, books, and mentorship opportunities to refine your approach. Start with How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

For a tactical human performance coach, soft skills are not a luxury, they’re a necessity. By building trust, creating positive influence, and addressing resistance with empathy and strategy, drives lasting behavior change that extends far beyond the gym. These relationships are the foundation of sustainable performance programs, ensuring that tactical athletes are not only prepared for the challenges they face today but also equipped for the future.

References:

1. Bartholomew, Brett. Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In. Bartholomew Strength, 2017.
2. Passmore, J. (2011). Motivational Interviewing – A model for coaching psychology practice. The Coaching Psychologist. 7(1), 35-39.
3. Sinek, Simon. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Portfolio, 2009.

About O2X On-Site Specialist Mark Christiani:

Mark is an On-Site Human Performance Specialist specializing in Strength and Conditioning at the 81st Readiness Division. Mark is an Army Veteran with over a decade of proven expertise in leadership, resource management, and regulatory compliance. Mark served as the Brigade Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach for GAP Solutions, Inc., where he oversaw the performance metrics and training programs for a brigade of over 3,000 soldiers. His career spans directing diverse teams, balancing multifaceted projects, and prioritizing professional development in dynamic, high-pressure environments. Mark has successfully linked organizational vision to results through strategic empowerment of people, processes, and technology. His comprehensive background includes operations management, executive-level support, project management, and strength and conditioning, complemented by cross-industry experience in sustainable strategies, market analysis, and process improvements.

Mark’s technical skillset encompasses resource management, injury rehabilitation, coaching, data interpretation, and sports science, along with policy implementation and customer service. He holds a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from Georgia Southern University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is also pursuing certification in High-Performance Collaboration: Leadership from Northwestern University. His professional highlights include spearheading operational improvements, conducting innovative research in exercise physiology and biomechanics, and leading large-scale strength and conditioning initiatives for military personnel.

About O2X Human Performance:

O2X Human Performance provides comprehensive, science-backed programs to hundreds of public safety departments, federal agencies, and the military. O2X works with clients to elevate culture, improve mental and physical wellbeing, support healthy lifestyles, and reduce healthcare costs associated with injuries and illnesses. Driven by results and cutting edge research, O2X programs are designed and delivered by a team of Special Operations veterans, high level athletes, and hundreds of leading experts in their respective fields of human performance.