Chapter 9 – The Super-Cooperators

Read: Pages 114-134

Answer: Click here to share your responses

As a coach, are you yelling plays? How can you coach in such a way that teachers solve the problems themselves?

On page 116, Coyle says that Draper Kauffman was “unprepared for the realities of battle.” Many teachers feel the same way! Kauffman’s solution was to create a training system that included “Hell Week” and “getting Log-PTed” What are the benefits of creating extreme situations as a part of professional development or culture-building? Do you see drawbacks? What elements of this program could you bring to your context? How might that transform PD, teamwork, and the culture of your agency?

What connections did you make between the Harold (described on pages 124-129) to improving teaching practices and to the coaching that you provide?

Page 127 says, “Every rule directs you either to tamp down selfish instincts that might make you the center of attention, or to serve your fellow actors (support, save, trust, listen). This is why Close’s rules are hard to follow and also why they are useful in building cooperation.” Which aspects of coaching require you to “disobey every natural instinct in your brain” in order to serve your coachees selflessly?

The story of the Pink Panthers on pages 129-134 describes how it is possible to create seamless coordination and a culture of excellence without relying on external permission, validation, or authority. What ideas can you learn from this that would apply in your context?