In this milestone 100th episode of Brain in the Game, we dive deep into the essential but often overlooked skill of collaboration and how it impacts elite performance.

In this episode we discuss:

• Mapping Your Entourage:
Discover how to identify the key people in your support network and understand their roles, frequency, and impact on your journey.
• The Collaboration Mindset:
Learn how to take ownership of your relationships and set clear expectations with coaches, peers, and support teams.
• Shifting Control for Growth:
Find out why your role in the coach-athlete dynamic must evolve as you mature, and how it helps you thrive under pressure.
• Action You Can Take Now to Boost Performance:
Practical tools to assess your current collaboration and build a high-performance team dynamic that will serve you throughout your career.

Optimising your relationships with coaches, peers, and support teams can give you the edge you need.

Mental Gladiator 4-Week Program
Ideal for athletes ready to develop mental resilience and dominate under pressure.

Main Arena Coach 12-Week Program
Perfect for coaches aiming to unlock the full potential of their athletes and teams.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the crucial question arises: "What's my role?"

Athletes, coaches, and parents alike grapple with how to best support each other during this pivotal time. In this episode, we dive into the essential roles and strategies for successful preparation and performance.

Parents:

• Support Crew: Focus on logistical support – nutrition, hydration, and rest.
• Emotional Anchor: Provide moral support without delving into performance specifics.
• Boundaries: Avoid engaging in detailed post-training analyses; maintain a calm environment.

Coaches:

• Right Information, Right Time: Share concise, actionable feedback.
• Collaboration: Foster open communication, allowing athletes to express needs.
• Emotional Awareness: Recognise signs of overwhelm and adjust support accordingly.

Athletes:

• Preparation Funnel: Follow the structured approach – non-negotiables, needs, wants, nice-to-haves.
• Self-Reliance: Develop and trust your own preparation system.
• Incremental Transition: Gradually shift from student mode to performer mode as competition nears.

Parents:

• Moral Support: Be present and positive without interfering.
• Stay Calm: Focus on enjoying the moment rather than critiquing.
• Simple Acts: Provide comfort and basic needs without adding stress.

Coaches:

• Minimal Interference: Avoid last-minute technical instructions.
• Encouragement: Offer reassurance and boost confidence.
• Trust Building: Help athletes trust their preparation and abilities.

Athletes:

• Execution: Focus on performing what you've practiced.
• Mindset: Enter the competition with a clear, confident mindset.
• Enjoyment: Embrace the experience and trust in your hard work.

Join us as we break down these strategies, offering practical advice and real-world examples to help you support your athletes and teams effectively.

And if you'd prefer to watch this, go to: https://youtu.be/pE7BygxebTg?si=9qwnqGBX5V3cWYue

It’s a real pleasure to have Pete Steinberg join us on this episode of Brain in the Game, where we have a lively and varied discussion on the universal principles of leadership. From the field to the boardroom, we delve into the parallels between leadership in sports and business.

Pete, with his extensive background as head coach of the USA Women’s Rugby Team leading them to two Rugby World Cups, and highly sought-after business consultant, emphasises that the core principles of leadership – such as motivation, skill development, and creating conducive environments – are consistent across both domains. We also discuss the unique skillsets elite athletes bring to organisations.

• Pete's journey from coaching rugby to consulting in business.
• Similarities and differences in leadership across sports and business.
• Insights on selecting and developing effective leaders.
• Value of athletic skills in the corporate world.
• Strategies for continuous improvement in leadership roles.
• Purpose-driven coaching and its impact on athlete transformation.
• Importance of coach wellness and structured support systems.
• Navigating leadership transitions and overcoming "Leadership Shock".

Tune in to learn the transformative potential leadership can bring when aligned with personal purpose and intention, that supports both leaders and their teams.

And if you would prefer to watch the video of our interview, you will find here: https://youtu.be/ZzUoq4pkbP0?si=Ar5-WtWZcEGprubE

To delve deeper into Pete Steinberg's insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership, get your copy of his book, 'Leadership Shock' which provides a comprehensive framework for overcoming challenges and thriving in high-pressure roles.

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3Lhx3MV
Amazon.com.au: https://amzn.to/3zqJ28p
Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3VOHLiV

If you'd like to hear more podcasts for athletes and coaches specifically around building effective teams, especially for those in a leadership team, we have put them into a handy playlist for you. Simply go to: https://www.smartmind.com/team – your on-the-go playlist will be sent straight to you.