028 - Jorge Capestany - The 5 Types of People

The PTM Podcast

Today I interview USPTA/PTR Master Professional Jorge Capestany.

Jorge is a highly regarded tennis professional all around the world and has arguably the best tennis drills site on the internet.

So Jorge , through his own experience has put people/coaches into one of 5 different levels

  1. 1. The Encourager - They look for the good in others and take the extra steps to tell them
  2. 2. They look for the good, but don’t tell them
  3. 3. Generally wired to look for the bad in others
  4. 4. Look for the bad in others and then DO tell THEM.  These people are kind of mean.
  5. 5. The Gossiper - Look for the bad in others but tell OTHER PEOPLE 

If you see a flaw, it is OK, but make sure your spirit is looking for the good stuff as well.  This will make the negative things easier to accept.

Big Question: Where do you think you fit?

The people that succeed in general tend to be more like the Level 1 and Level 2 people.

Even Bigger Question: Where would your co-workers place you on this scale

What a great conversation with Jorge.

Now I can honestly say that I have been in each of those situations in my life at one point, even in my career.

It is easy to get caught up in a conversation and find yourself going down the wrong path, just not to rock the boat with a person who you may look up to.

But as most wise people will tell you, ……..

Surround yourself with the people you want to be the most like, and hopefully is the level 1 or level 2 type of person hat Jorge was discussing.

As a coach, it can sometimes be easier to look for the flaws in a stroke and focus on what is wrong (like the ambulance coach in episode 025), but look for the good as well and make sure your students hear what you like about their game.

Do the same with even your co-workers.  I am sure some extra lessons will probably be going to the pro that the desk staff respects and admires, more than the pro who is a glass half-empty person all the time.

And even better, do the same when nobody is looking – This defines your character.

Bottom Line: If I had to summarize this I would say, Nurture and pay close attention to your character more than your reputation and you will most likely achieve more success plus have a lot of great relationships on and off the court.

Good Luck,

Coach Mick, USPTA