Have you ever been frustrated by the commitment and motivation of your cricket team? Do you think, like Beyoncé, if they like it they should “put a ring on it?”

It’s a common scene: You are are intense, motivated and focused on the goal. Yet, others are laid back, half-hearted and distracted.

You get increasingly angry over the lack of intensity. Where’s the commitment? Where’s Beyoncé’s ring?

You say things like “we went too quiet in the field today”.

You know that with a bit more effort, practice and focus, your team would be a killer outfit. You see people throwing away chances and can’t believe it. With more effort you would certainly win more games. It’s in your reach.

Just darn well put a ring on it!

Here’s how you turn the nightmare into a dream by getting those commitment-phobes into the diamond shop once and for all.

Appreciation leads to better cricket

It’s human nature to feel wanted and appreciated. We all find the energy to go the extra mile if we know we will get appreciated for our efforts. Yet it take much more effort to show appreciation than to take someone for granted. Most teams trip up here.

So, find someone - usually an extroverted character - who can take the time to show appreciation and love to everyone in the team. It helps if this person is a senior part of the group: Coach, captain or star player, but anyone can do it:

• Take the time to chat with players about their game and tactics.
• Ask individuals to come to training because you want them to work on something specific.
• Appreciate effort, both on and off the field. Even if it is only a small help.
• Get to know what motivates everyone to play, then adapt the team to fit every motivation.
• Actively listen, even if someone has a different opinion to you. Ask questions, seek to learn everyone’s viewpoint.

In my team this year I have taken that role. Using messaging in an app I have been in constant contact with everyone in the club. I have focused on praising effort over performance. I have listened and learned about characters. People have responded well with high numbers at training, better availability for games and a more focused approach on the field.

As I write we have won nine of our first 10 matches.

Naturally, this is not totally down to talking. Not every player has suddenly become a three times a week trainer because I send them a text. The culture has been about finding ways to join the fun rather than drift away because no one is interested in you. Then, once people are training and playing regularly, their cricket improves. Strange that!

Accepting differences helps you

Once people are feeling more appreciated and more part of the team, you can turn inward and look to your own frustrations.

I’m guessing - as you have read this far - you are a model trainer and a focused player. You set the example. Well done. Your next challenge is to accept that not everyone else will have the same approach.

For example, we have a player at my club who is a wonderful batsman (averaging over 40) and solid bowler. His whole character and approach is laid back and lacking any intensity. His training consists of bowling a few overs in a cap, taking a couple of catches and hitting a few balls.

You can probably think of someone similar.

For him, this approach works. He gets runs and wickets. You could argue he would be even better if he had more focus. But if he refuses to change, what else can you do except accept his ways?

You could get frustrated, but that will just kill your own game.

Instead, you can work with him. Accept what he can do. Show appreciation when he puts in effort and constantly chat with him about things he cares about to try and inch his effort levels forward. While he is getting runs, most players will be happy to have him around and also accept his laid back manner as “the way he is”.

Then the whole thing because about working together to grow, rather than competing with each other about whose approach is correct. That will help everyone, including you.

Summary

• People love to be appreciated, so take time to really do it well.
• Everyone is different, accept those differences
• The ultimate goal is not to win a debate on the best way, but to work together to grow as a team.