Resilient Leadership
November 27, 2023
Thank you for joining the Better Together Newsletter! This bi-weekly newsletter is dedicated to sharing insights into applied sport psychology and science-based tools that can aid us as sport psychology professionals in helping athletes, teams, and coaches enhance their performance and well-being. The goal is to deliver actionable insights in a concise and engaging format, making it easy for you to apply them in your work in sports.
Recently, I’ve engaged in various conversations with athletes who have expressed concerns about the leadership skills exhibited by their coaches. Some shared sentiments include:
“There is a lack of communication from our coach regarding rules, and there seem to be no consequences for inappropriate behavior.”
“The coach seems to exclusively focus on the top three athletes, neglecting to provide feedback during training sessions.”
“As a team, we feel caught in a downward spiral, and the coach appears indifferent to addressing the issue.”
Addressing these concerns with athletes presents a dual perspective. Firstly, there’s the need to assist athletes in coping with suboptimal leadership behaviors from their coaches. Simultaneously, there’s a crucial role in supporting coaches to enhance their leadership skills. This involves educational initiatives on various leadership styles, aiding them in the development of their unique approach, and subsequently implementing these strategies into their coaching practice.
In my efforts to educate others on diverse leadership styles, I often draw inspiration from different leaders from the past. One of them is Ernest Shackleton. His ventures into Antarctic expeditions during the early 20th century provide not only historical examples but also invaluable insights into leadership mastery.
Thus, let’s set sail through the frozen chapters of history, uncovering the leadership mastery of Ernest Shackleton—an extraordinary figure whose indomitable spirit and strategic brilliance during the Antarctic expedition provide profound insights for the worlds of applied sport psychology.
Let’s get better together…
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
IDEA OF THE WEEK
Envision the icy vastness of Antarctica, a terrain of frozen adversity that can mirror the challenges encountered in sports. Shackleton, akin to coaches steering their teams through uncharted waters, found himself at the helm of a ship, transforming the frozen battleground into a crucible for leadership, a playground for resilience, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Shackleton’s leadership was not a rigid score but a dynamic symphony. He comprehended the delicate harmony of team dynamics, adapting his approach to the ever-shifting notes of challenges. His leadership, much like coaching, embraced the ebb and flow of emotions, cultivating a collective resilience that transcended the frozen landscape. Amid the cold shadows of adversity, Shackleton stood as a radiant beacon of positivity. His optimism was not a naive denial of challenges but a strategic choice to navigate the mental terrain of his team.
Shackleton was not a distant captain; he was an athlete among athletes – and I resonate with the significance of leading by example. Shackleton’s legacy underscores the importance of leaders immersing themselves in challenges, not as overseers but as comrades in the pursuit of victory. In the icy crucible, Shackleton’s team wasn’t a mere crew; they became a brotherhood. Sports teams, too, thrive on unity. The camaraderie forged through shared challenges, victories, and defeats is the bedrock of a resilient community. For coaches, building this sense of belonging is as vital as strategizing for victories on the field.
In the frosty embrace of uncertainty, Shackleton showcased a leadership dance—a nuanced choreography of adaptability. Leading and coaching in sports demands a similar agility—knowing when to pivot strategies, accelerate efforts, or anchor down for collective strength. Shackleton’s journey through the shifting ice mirrors the perpetual evolution demanded by us as sport psychology professionals or coaches in sports.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into Resilient Leadership, I recommend exploring a 35-minute free course offered by Harvard Business School. While it may not delve into intricate details, it provides a comprehensive overview that can be easily shared with coaches. It could also serve as an engaging topic for discussion in an upcoming individual session with a coach.
Alternatively, for a more in-depth exploration of Shackleton’s remarkable legacy, I encourage some coaches (and maybe even you) to read Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage. This book offers a profound insight into Shackleton’s journey and leadership, providing a rich narrative that goes beyond the surface.
CHUCK NORRIS JOKE OF THE WEEK
Chuck Norris tells Simon what to do.
