The importance of effective relationships in high performing teams in business and sport
/What are effective relationships in sport, and how can they be developed? In high-performance or professional sport, the impact of effective relationships is undeniable. But should we focus solely on successful relationships that prioritize athlete development and winning? Let’s explore what research tells us.
Effective relationships are built on positive coaching behaviours such as understanding, honesty, acceptance, responsiveness, friendliness, cooperation, respect, and positive regard. However, successful relationships differ. While effective relationships enhance psychological health and well-being, successful relationships achieve normative performance levels in sport. Can you think of instances where effective relationships led to growth but not necessarily victory?
Research by Professor Sophia Jowett highlights four main areas for fostering close and effective relationships:
Closeness: Emotional tone in relationships, developed through trust, respect, and appreciation. How are you building emotional connections with your athletes?
Coordination: Sharing goals, beliefs, and values through open communication. Are you aligning your vision with your team’s?
Complementary: Behaviours that connect beyond practice or performance. What creative ways can you engage with your athletes?
Commitment: Mutual investment and passion. How do you ensure alignment in commitment levels with your team?
Critics may argue that elite sport prioritizes normative success over effective relationships. But Jowett’s research shows that addressing these areas fosters intrinsic motivation, reducing performance avoidance attitudes. How can you balance effective and successful relationships in your coaching?
Ignoring effective relationships can lead to serious consequences like athlete burnout. Burnout is not just physical exhaustion but also emotional exhaustion, stemming from reduced accomplishment and devaluation of sport. Katrien Fransen’s research suggests fostering shared identification can mitigate burnout. Are you creating a sense of belonging for your team?
The quality of relationships directly affects athlete motivation. Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as critical needs. How are you meeting these needs for your athletes?
Psychological safety, another crucial element, involves creating environments free from ridicule or rejection. Transformational leadership—focusing on positive developmental relationships—has been shown to reduce conflict and enhance learning. Are you fostering a psychologically safe space for your athletes?
Bringing research to life involves practical actions:
Align with athletes’ values: Ask questions to understand their perspectives. How often do you check in with your athletes to align your goals?
Connection before direction: Show compassion before offering feedback. How do you ensure your athletes feel valued?
Lead by example: Demonstrate behaviours you want to see. What standards are you setting for yourself and your team?
Remember, coaching is a privilege. Investing in relationships not only develops athletes but also nurtures future coaches, sponsors, and supporters. How are you leveraging your position to build a lasting legacy?
As the year ends, take time to reflect on your interpersonal skills. Understanding your athletes holistically enables you to adapt your approach for greater impact. Are you ready to invest in meaningful relationships to elevate your coaching and your team?