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FLEXIBLE APPROACH AND LISTENING SKILLS
Firstly, one of the most important things to understand in undertaking work such as this is there is no magic wand, no one technique, no trick, nor “sugar hit” that will work on every occasion. It’s important to be fleet of foot every day, every night. We are dealing with human beings. Each person we meet requires a different approach depending on the circumstances. So many things affect people in a high performance team. If there is one key: tuning into the uniqueness of each individual, both player and coach. Working on your listening skills to unearth the specific needs of the individual is a fundamental. In some of the lectures I do at post graduate level and with corporate executives I show them an image of the traditional mandarin character for listening. It’s one of my favourites and a great reminder of what listening means. I have spent years realising that this is the key yet years realising I have a long way to go. This is so important.
TRADITIONAL MANDARIN CHARACTER FOR LISTENING
LEARNING LEADERSHIP & MEDIA GROUP
EAR
YOU
EYES UNDIVIDED ATTENTION
HEART
Another important factor necessary for success is the need to be flexible, not only in the blend of techniques used but the ability to fit into a busy schedule. For an elite sports team such as Sydney FC for example, the areas I work in is just one of many elements in the team environment. Other areas such as physical, technical and tactical elements take up a significant time in the diary as do other time necessary for activities such as PR, media and sponsorship. Let’s not forget game day and travel time too. It’s important to understand that time normally needed to gain maximum outcomes isn’t always available so a pragmatic approach is necessary to ensure you can still make the improvements needed. For example, in my teaching of what I describe as “fast track mindfulness” which can be achieved in a few seconds, I would typically work with people for an hour or two to teach them. This time isn’t available in a busy schedule so I have to work in short bursts of time whenever it can be fitted in. (10 to 20 mins).
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