“10 tips for “emotional intelligence” in Sport - Why its number 1 for SUCCESS!”

This is a widely talked about term in all work places and these days an important, yet overlooked life-skill.  The word “intelligence” is rarely ever linked with emotions. We often use it to define someone’s academic ability or extent of knowledge about a variety of subjects.

In other words, in the English system, the obsession with GCSE, A Level and other nationally accredited qualifications seems the way this country define intelligence right?  It is interesting because in my time at a professional football club and schools and universities I worked with several coaches who hadn’t got these formal higher level qualifications, but were better skilled than many of the nation’s teachers I had worked with in dealing with adding value to people and performance combined.

Regrettably however it’s rare and therefore the term “emotional intelligence” is looked at as just “add on” to athletes “performance journeys”….apparently.

But maybe in contrast it is one of the main methods for many athletes or teams success? And not just the traditional pathway which many still believe is one’s ABILITY to be successful. Is ability on its own enough to make a team successful? I think we all have differing opinions on this but ask any expert and they will say a categorical answer… NO!

The definition of emotional intelligence is.

“The ability to identify emotions in yourself and others and to use this ability to manage your relationships with those around you”

So link this term to team sports…And currently the Copa America and Euro championships right now. We all know about the talents of Messi and Ronaldo and the passing techniques of the Spanish. But would a nation be more successful if the above quote is implemented and players had greater bonds and unity? Would a business thrive and achieve greater outcomes with the above definition adhered to?

In my experience, “institutional change” (football club or business) and its productivity will only succeed if the emotional intelligence of its colleagues contributes to enhancing morale and cohesion with selfless acts day after day. And this includes players also.  Years of research proves that the more of a role this type of behaviour plays in your teams and working environment the more you will all succeed!  The balance between this type of mentality compared with constantly improving your subject specific technical and tactical knowledge in making you a great teacher, coach, player or boss is paramount.  After all, if everyone was kind and selfless all day but clueless about how to get outcomes for elite performance then the process is flawed anyway.

I’m specifically referring to when you already have the experts and players in the building and creating a dynamic and vibrate culture is the next step. Now think about how you could introduce this process into your coaching, training, managing, playing and teaching methods?

Below I have devised a list of what I consider signs of having high levels of emotional intelligence.

Perhaps some of these already apply to you, and maybe they do not – in which case, if you crave to be a better coach, player, colleague, listener or expert in your field, here’s how to do it.

•  You have self-confidence.

You are in tune with your strengths and weaknesses, and you know how to use them effectively. Most importantly, you are never afraid to admit you’re wrong or incapable of doing something and ask for someone else’s for help or advice. You never let your ego take over.

• You know how your feelings operate.

You have a heightened sense of self-awareness, so you’re good at examining yourself to determine exactly how you’re feeling – and, more importantly, what exactly made you feel that way.

• You politely challenge people if you have problems with them

Instead of letting negative moods overwhelm you. You never unprofessionally go off at people. You know this doesn’t work!

Instead, if you’re upset with someone, you portray your feelings calmly and securely and let that person know exactly what’s unsettling you. That way, you can solve the problem quickly and efficiently and most importantly CALMLY.

•  You’re calm under pressure

People look to you for reassurance when things go wrong because you don’t stress.

You’re the “go to” person when things are not right. The solution finder!  Not the problem creator!

• You never give up

You’re naturally self-motivated, which means you are the driving force behind your desire and enthusiasm for success. Because of this, you don’t let any small failures discourage you from pursuing the teams ultimate goals.

•  You understand other viewpoints.

You’re able to look outside of your own life experience and understand the perspectives and circumstances of others are different to yours and this is ok and often healthy. This allows you to relate to people on multiple levels and communicate in ways you know people will understand.

• You listen.

You value the opinions and views of all, so you take your time when you listen to them. Even more so, you make sure you understand everything they tell you, and you never interrupt them or try to manipulate or control the conversation. This makes people more willing to open up to you in the short, medium and long term.

•  You’re emotionally empathetic.

You’re accurate at reading people’s feelings, and because of this, you’re able to understand how they will respond. This will help you meet their needs better.

You know when it’s a good idea to bring something up and when it’s better to just keep quiet.

• You communicate well.

You articulate your thoughts in a simple, concise way, so people know exactly what you’re talking about and what you want from them.

Because of the simplicity and clarity with which you explain yourself, people are eager to listen to you and not disappoint.

• People around you feel calm.

You work well in groups because you are clever at making peers feel relaxed. People feel comfortable joking with you, laughing around you and you have the ability to laugh at yourself. The final point is vital!

Hope you enjoyed these reminders! And more importantly can believe that you can get your players to achieve these traits. After all sustained success is built process not fluke!

SS