Are team development strategies taken seriously in elite sport when viewed from a psycho-social perspective?   

This question was the motivation for my solo episode today where I chat about the use of team units and the benefits of working more closely in team units.  As I share my thoughts and ideas, I refer to some of the key sub-measures of Mental Toughness from Peter Clough’s 4Cs model.

Key Learning Points

• Purposeful regular team building activities when working with small sub-groups in teams, squads and organisations can have a very positive impact on the overall culture. 
• Individuals get to know each other better as people, their background, traits and lifestyle improving emotional intelligence across the group. 
• Regular team building activities should include fun and light-hearted activities, team communication, problem solving and trust building activities.
• In mental toughness terms, for goal orientation and achievement orientation, players were hugely motivated to achieve team and individual goals, a high degree of accountability also was evident which then meant not many players got sidetracked from the goals that were set.
• Conflict, and disagreements happened however they was dealt with speedily, resolved and didn’t distract from the collective goals.
• For learning orientation, there were many opportunities afforded to players to realise their full potential, with less blame and fear imposed. 
• Closer bonds between players, knowing more about each other as people, helped the group prepare and deal with challenges.

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Relevant Podcast Episodes to Improve Team Culture

Ep111: Michael Caulfield – How to be an Effective Sports Psychologist in Elite Professional Football 

Ep127: Paul Trainor – The Application of Mental Toughness Training in Elite Professional Rugby League

EP147: Aaron Walsh – The Application of Mental Performance Coaching in Elite Professional Rugby

Ep161: Paul Phillips – How to Create a Culture of High Performance in Professional Rugby Union

Ep166: Mark Bennett MBE – How To Help Athletes and Coaches Reflect On Their Performances

Other Relevant Blogs to Benefit Teams

Blog - Why You Should Recognise The Power of Your Words

Blog – Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog – How Mentally Healthy is Your Club’s Sporting Environment?

Blog – Mental Health Guidance For Coaches When Supporting Athletes