One of the first things you notice about Brian Schmetzer is how well he listens. Lots of people in leadership do a wonderful job of making it seem like they care what you’re saying. Heck, a lot of them get into these positions exactly because of that skill. It’s very few who give a genuine impression that they are not only hearing the words coming out of your mouth, but attempting to understand what it is you’re trying say.
Schmetzer does this in a way that feels natural, yet still doesn’t seem normal for a head coach of a professional soccer team.