Leadership in Sport Psychology L3

Aim To identify theories of leadership in sport psychology

Leadership A leader is the most respected position in any team. They are seen as a role model and are chosen by the team that they lead. People such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish, Clive Woodward, Linford Christie.....etc

Leadership Can you define leadership? ‘The behavioural process of influencing individuals and groups towards a goal’ (Barron, 1977)

Leadership In your opinion what behaviours does a leader show? 1.Decision making processes 2.Motivational techniques 3.Giving feedback 4.Establishing interpersonal relationships 5.Confidently directing the group

Leadership Two ways of becoming as leader: 1.Prescribed 2.Emergent

Leadership Prescribed leaders They are appointed by a person in authority e.g. Coaching staff, directors, managers

Leadership Emergent Leaders Emerge from a group of people and take over responsibility e.g. John Terry.

Leadership Trait approach – you are born to be a leader There are common traits that all leaders possess. o Intelligence o Assertiveness o Independence o Self-confident

Leadership Behavioural approach – anyone can become a leader This is done by learning the behaviour of effective leaders This supports the idea that leaders can be developed.

Leadership Interactional approach - this looks at the interaction between the person and the situation. However there are key factors, which are; 1.Effective leadership cannot be predicted solely on personality

Leadership 2. Effective leadership fits specific situations, as some leaders function better in certain situations than others. 3. Leadership style needs to change to match the demands of the situation. Task leaders are concerned with getting the job done rather than building personal relationship with their team mates.

Leadership Other researchers propose that effective leadership will vary depending on the characteristics of the athlete, the leader and the situation.

Leadership

1.Situational characteristics – characteristics such as size, type of sport, winning or losing, the situation the group is in. 2.Leadership characteristics – the personality qualities of the leader. Some of the qualities needed are confidence, intelligence, assertiveness and self motivation.

Leadership 3.Member characteristics – the different personality types of different groups of athletes. These characteristics include age, gender, ability level and experience. 4.Required Behaviour – the type of behaviour required of a leader in a particular situation. For example, if a team is losing with five minutes to go, it is best for the leaders to make a decision.

Leadership Actual behaviour – The behaviour the leader actually displays Preferred behaviour – the preferred leadership of the group, depending on their characteristics. Performance satisfaction – the extent to which the group members are satisfied with the leader’s behaviour and with the outcome of the competition