What Great Coaches Actually Do | The 3D Journey, Ep. 3

In Episode 3 of The 3D Journey, Rob Ramseyer and Wes Simmons explore the original definition of a coach: a covered carriage that takes a person of importance from where they are to where they want or need to go.

That definition provides a powerful framework for understanding transformational coaching.

The "covering" represents the culture we create. Great coaches provide an environment where athletes can take risks, make mistakes, grow, and push themselves without fear. Psychological safety doesn't mean lowering standards or allowing athletes to do whatever they want. It means creating enough trust and security for athletes to fully engage in the process of development.

Wes and Rob also discuss why great coaches see every athlete as a person of importance. That means looking beyond the starters and the most talented athletes and intentionally developing every person in the program.

They explore how relationships, trust, identity, purpose, and character all influence performance—and why focusing exclusively on the scoreboard can ultimately create a transactional culture.

Wes shares a powerful story about his college coach, Coach T, and a two-minute conversation that changed how he viewed himself as a leader. Rob also shares a story about a coach intentionally challenging an athlete's confidence to create humility and open the door for a deeper relationship.

The conversation eventually turns toward administrators and what they can actually look for when evaluating a coaching culture. What does a 3D program look like when you walk into practice? What should administrators notice about the athletes, the environment, and the way coaches interact with their teams?

The answer isn't complicated. Great coaching requires intentionality around four things: creating the right environment, seeing people as people of importance, understanding where they are, and helping them get where they need to go.

As Wes puts it, "A little 3D goes a long way."

In This Episode

The original definition of a coach

Why the "covering" matters

Psychological safety versus permissiveness

The relationship between trust and performance

Why every athlete should be treated as a person of importance

Wes's two-minute conversation with Coach T

How great coaches help athletes see themselves differently

The difference between authentic relationship-building and manipulation

Why coaches need to learn from wisdom rather than waiting for crisis

Identity, purpose, and character

The danger of attaching identity to performance

How administrators can evaluate a coaching culture

Practical ways to intentionally develop every athlete

Why transitions and launching athletes well matter

Building a life-giving culture through simple, intentional practices

This is Episode 3 of our 12-part 3D Journey leading up to the 3D Culture Summit next summer in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Explore 3D for Your Organization

The 3D framework isn't simply a philosophy. It provides coaches and leaders with practical language and strategies for developing people, teams, and organizations.

To learn more about bringing 3D Coaching to your organization, connect with the 3D Institute.

Learn More

3D Institute

Learn more about 3D Coaching and the work of Wes Simmons and the 3D Institute.

Impactful Coaching Project

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Beyond Coaching Podcast

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