“Teamwork makes the dreamwork” – John C Maxwell.  This quote is the motivation behind the latest episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness, where I look to challenge your thinking by considering the 3Cs Teamwork Cycle of cooperation, coordination and communication alongside the 4Cs Mental Toughness model created by Professor Peter Clough. 

After all, successful teamwork, often gives teams, clubs and organisations a lot better chance of performing well, on a consistent basis, as well as maintaining harmonious relationships.  It’s a must listen for coaches looking to challenge their approach and for those involved in team sports.

Key Learning Points

• Co-ordination can improve confidence levels of individuals, as well as collectively in a team.  Consideration for coaches is how they plan and prepare their teams, in the build up to matches.
• Optimism and a sense of can do can be the result of meticulous planning and consistent clear messages.
• Commitment levels can also be improved with less likelihood of the group losing sight of their goals.
• As a coach, how often and clearly do you check expectations of your players individually or as a group? Do you encourage players to question you?
• Low interpersonal confidence from players can make it difficult to know if they are clearly understanding coaches’ messages.  Especially if the player is able to mask their emotions well with a good poker face.
• Perspective is key for coaches and managers.  Are you able to remain calm and contain your emotions allowing you to look at the bigger picture?  This will likely harness co-operation in the team.
• Some coaches are great at focusing on solutions not problems do you?

Do you seek to learn from your experiences as a coach with deep reflection? Considering what you say and how you say it in the build up to matches, during matches and afterwards - have you considered how the words that you use and the tone of your voice can influence your players and their willingness to work as a team?

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Relevant Podcast Episodes to Improve Teamwork

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

Ep179: David Charlton - Great Captains: 8 Mental Toughness Characteristics That Can Inspire Others

Ep180: David Charlton - How To Work With Team Units To Improve Culture In Teams

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