Listen, Learn, Have Fun says Coach Quinn

So what does infamous Pat Quinn, former NHL and Team Canada Coach, have to say that impacts the professional work and the intent of this blog? It was during my son’s experience at the invitational Hyundai Hockey Nation Tour that I had the opportunity to sit in a dressing room for 25 minutes and listen to a learned man who spoke definitively and directly about his experiences.  This “Big Irishman” who stands at 6’3 was only a few feet away from me yet almost a gentle giant of sorts. He instantly captured my attention with his calm tone in his voice. He briefly introduced himself, but most of his pep talk was based on three principles, these principles hold true in hockey, in life and in education, hence why I believe this information belongs in this blog.

 

As in the title of this blog, Pat’s three shared principles were that our hockey children to actively listen to their hockey coaches, to experience growth in their hockey play via learning new skills and knowledge and finally, to have fun while playing the game. For the role parents play in this sport, he asked us to support these three principles and to apply them in other areas of life, especially education. Yes, Pat Quinn, professional hockey player, former coach and non-practicing lawyer, spoke about the importance of EDUCATION. The importance of children in being mindful and actively engaged in whatever activity, sport and/or event they participate in. To take feedback and practice and therefore gain better skill and knowledge of the game (or a subject area) since children are at different areas of development. And to enjoy the game and/or activity they are partaking in.

While my experience with Pat Quinn was brief, he certainly left a positive impression.  (And seeing my son have the opportunity to work with various professional coaches and the dryland conditioning team for the Edmonton Oilers will not be forgotten.)

 

Spread JOY thru Conversation

This is my week one of the Fierce Inc  six-week challenge that I registered for just before Christmas. This past June I had the opportunity to take the Fierce Conversations sessions hosted in our school division. As a Curriculum Educational Technology Facilitator, mother and wife I found these sessions to give me further clarity in how I can be leading my personal and professional life…..right now! These Fierce Conversation sessions allowed me to align, collaborate and partner more effectively. I continue to learn and find ways to have more thorough and authentic conversations with my colleagues, family, friends and even myself. As I continue on this “fierce” journey, I was delighted to see that Fierce Inc had set out a six-week challenge for the new year. Of course, I hopped on board immediately. Nothing for me to loose and so much to gain! And……since the rest of my Central Office colleagues will soon be taking the Fierce Conversations sessions, I invited them to join in the six-week challenge too! (A number of them did take me up on the offer!)

Week 1 – When you feel gratitude and appreciation for others, let them know.

I am still on Christmas break, so this challenge was played out on my family. I have two great kids who enjoy school, learning and are well-involved in sports. My son, a 10 year old goalkeeper for his Atom hockey team, always wants to do well…..the first time. He really gets down on himself if he

doesn’t stop a shot, especially during game situations. Recently his team was in a four day concurrent tournament over the Christmas break. Each game he went out and stayed focused, made great saves and let a few in. I used my positive mindset to comment on his best efforts. He also received two ‘Player of the Game’ recognition hats and much praise from his coaches and teammates. I could see that he was starting to “self-talk” and calm himself down during later
games due to this gratitude and appreciation being shown to him. It just reminded me that showing or saying you appreciate someone’s efforts right in a particular moment can be such a boost to someone’s motivation, thoughts and/or reflections on themselves. It is a powerful and essential force that we can easily and cognitively choose to do on a daily basis.

I wonder what reactions you have gotten when you have let someone know of their efforts. Or, how have you felt when someone has appreciated you!