communication - Timeout Story

Jim Caldwell

Jim Caldwell coached under Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis and then succeeded him as head coach of the Colts. He used to write cards to his daughter, Natalie, when she was away at college. She was several states away, and they both had busy schedules so they didn’t get to talk very much.

So every time she needed money, Coach Caldwell would send her a check, along with a note of encouragement and affirmation. He didn't write anything profound or mind-blowing, just things to encourage her.

When Jim was finally able to visit her apartment, he saw all every single one of his cards taped to the living room wall. "All of a sudden, I realized I hadn't written her nearly enough," he said. And he realized how much a father's words can mean to his child.

Encouragement is powerful. It has the potential to change people's attitudes, which can change how they react to situations, which can change the course of their days, their weeks, or even their years. There are plenty of forces in the world that discourage us, but not many people go out of their way to be encouraging. Be one of them..

What was Jim Caldwell attempting to communicate to his daughter?

What was the effect?

How you you describe the communication on this team?

What a effect do you predict it will have?