Sport Psychology Chapter 6

The Evolution of leadership theory

• Trait

• Behavioral situational

• Situational

• Exchange and path goal models

Integrated and relationship-based approaches

• Transformational leadership

• Leadership in learning organizations

• Spiritual/ authentic leadership

Transformational Leadership Theory

Mutual, ongoing process of raising one another to higher levels of motivation, moral reasoning, and self-consciousness.

Every participant has the potential to lead.

Primary components:

• Idealized Influence – typically serve as role models and result in respect admiration and trust

• Inspirational Motivation – motivate and inspire through purpose and challenge, show enthusiasm and optimism

• Intellectual Stimulation – creative and innovative

• Individualized Consideration – support and mentor participants to develop and grow

Emotionally intelligent leadership

Enhanced understanding of self and others leads to maximized performance

Considers Intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences

Primary components:

• Self-awareness – recognizes one’s own moods, emotions, and drives

• Self-regulation – ability to control impulses and think before acting

• Motivation – passion to pursue goals with energy and persistence

• Empathy – understand and react to the emotions of others

• Social skills – finds common ground and builds relationships

Multidimensional Model of Leadership

Coach and athlete leaders must constantly be aware of:

Actual coaching behaviors.

• mental states, biases, behavioral and style tendencies.

Performers’ preferences.

• related to motivation, communication, action.

• Situation (dynamic and changing in sport).

Good Leadership Characteristics

• Process-oriented

• Awareness and skills can be taught, learned, practice and improve (by anyone)

• Important to use multiple lenses to interpret people and situations

• Strengthened by diversity

• Enhanced by clearly defined goals for achievement

Bad Leadship

• A quick fix

• The appointment of a title or position

• Limited to individuals who behave in certain ways

Coach Leadership Development

Use elements from the transformational leadership theory and emotionally intelligent leadership

Lead yourself first

• Model composure, ethical decision making, and congruence between values and actions, serve the team

Provide a roadmap

• Motivate athletes to work hard toward a compelling vision of what is possible

Connect

• Develop positive and authentic rapport with athletes

Empower

• Help athletes develop the skills and confidence they need to fulfill realistic responsibilities and roles

Cultivate

• Reinforce behavior and provide constructive feedback after desirable and undesirable performances and effort

Coach leadership development pt. 2

Must balance behaviors:

• Task-oriented: Planning, clarifying, monitoring, problem solving

• Relations-oriented: supporting, developing, recognizing, empowering

• Change-oriented: Envisioning change, encouraging innovation and facilitating collective learning

• External: Networking, monitoring, and representing

Coaches who exhibit transformational leadership behaviors

impact athletes’

• Levels of enjoyment.

• Confidence in their abilities.

• Perceived preparedness for future team success.

Credible coaches

Use:

Collaborative coaching methods of respect, trust and communication

Are:

• Character-based

• Competent

• Committed

• Caring

• Confidence-builders

• Communicators

• Consistent

5 stage of Athlete leadership development pt 1

1- Determining and selecting athlete leaders

• Can be formal (team captains) or informal and various methods can be used

2- Developing a partnership

• Trusting relationships, open communication, meet regularly, establish behavioral expectations

3- Educating athletes about leadership

• 3 stages

  • Leadership of (1) self, (2) others, (3) culture

• 5 themes:

  • Demeanor: outwardly recognizable manners and behaviors especially toward others

  • Performance: Demonstrate skill, execute roles, and knowledge

  • Relationships: communicate openly and honestly with teammates and coaches

  • Character: exhibit consistent sound moral character (do the right thing on and off the field); hold teammates accountable

  • Cultivate future leaders

5 stages of athlete leadership development

4- Providing opportunities for application

• For example:

  • Run parts or whole practices

  • Organizing pre/post practice/game huddles

  • Manage team logistics

  • Team building activities

  • Make decisions with player/rosters

5- Giving regular feedback and engaging athletes in reflection