Happy Teacher’s Day!

While talking about coaching and mentoring in the workplace, my friend, narrated the story of Patrice Evra and Sir Alex Ferguson. Patrice Evra was a left back defender (football player) for Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson was their coach. While playing against a rival club; Tottenham, Patrice Evra was in his own words “playing the best game since he joined Manchester United”. He was playing phenomenally, they were even winning 2-0. Half time comes and Patrice goes to the dressing room pumped with praise and pride. Sir Alex Ferguson, however, did not think so. He gives him what is known as the hairdryer treatment. Which is a term used for coaches who yell so hard and long their voice mimics the sound of a hairdryer. So, Patrice is receiving this shout fest, detailing every little mistake he made on the field in front of all his teammates. Alex even tells him this is his worst game! Patrice held his silence, not wanting to disrespect the coach in front of his teammates.

They beat Tottenham 4-0 that day.
Patrice still frustrated and confused went to talk to Sir Ferguson, face to face the next day. Ferguson explained that although he was playing well, Christiano Ronaldo had started to show his skills on the field, and other players were not catching up to him quickly enough. He used Patrice the one player who was playing wonderfully to send a message to the team not to underestimate Tottenham and to keep scoring goals.

I loved this story. What an excellent example of a teacher. He went beyond just skills and techniques to understand the minds of his players. He knew exactly how to add the stress and pressure, and who could handle getting yelled at in the middle of a crucial game. Not only does this show deep trust between coach and player, it also shows how he honours the trust. When Patrice came the next day, he explained his reasons frankly and clearly. He knew Patrice would understand that football is a team game and sometimes you take one for the team. Patrice also knew he could go up to the coach everyone feared and respected, and ask for answers.

Great coaches like Ferguson and great teachers that we come across once in a while go beyond skills and techniques. They take the time to understand our strengths and weaknesses. They see potential in us for better and greater things, than we do ourselves and they push us to achieve them.

Happy Teachers Day to the Sir Alex Fergusons in our lives! Know that we are forever trying to make you proud!