180 How To Work With Team Units To Improve Culture In Teams

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. Connect with David Charlton Sign Up to The Mental Edge Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn 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