JOE EHRMANN’S KEYS TO SUCCESS

By Todd Diehl, nonviolence educator

In the book InSideOut Coaching, Joe Ehrmann, esteemed high school football coach, outlines his method for teaching coaches to love themselves and players to love each other.  His lessons for sports apply easily to teaching as well, and the best lesson he offers is how to practice and model empathy for your students. When you model true empathy, with kindness and compassion, for your students, they will see how beneficial and powerful the skill empathy can be. Of course, this requires putting your ego aside and engaging in deep listening of your students! There are too many “transactional” coaches and teachers in the book, you will learn how to be “transformational.” Joe demonstrates many strategies from his own experiences to turn your past “inside out” so that you understand your history and treat yourself with empathy and kindness.

Throughout his book, Joe challenges the cultural assumptions of what a man and a woman should be and redefines the keys for success for both genders. Success is not based on how well you perform your gender. Joe explains for both genders the keys to success are to build positive relationships and serve others. Fortunately, he offers many helpful strategies for teachers and coaches on how teach these powerful skills to students.

Joe Ehrmann’s insightful and instructive book is a life-changing experience for any teacher or coach who chooses to read it and engage in your own InSideOut journey. It’s a great book to pick up at the start of the year to help refine your message, purpose, and focus in teaching. Find the book at your local bookstore and support a local business while you’re there!