16 Apr 2018
Developing a successful culture – part 2
Continuing on from part 1, encouraging self-worth will also improve the confidence of the individuals. When the players have an individual feeling of self-worth and confidence, they will naturally feel more capable of engaging with the other members of the team. We should always look to encourage togetherness within our teams.
Encourage team experiences together
When players are feeling confident in themselves, they will feel much more equipped to contribute to the team. For some players, confidence is a huge wall from them achieving their potential in football and life and in youth football, we mustn’t forget that our players are also learning skills they will take with them through their lives.
By creating team experiences, wherever it may be, it promotes cohesive learning between players whilst generating trust and understanding. Compared to learning in separation, when an individual’s skill level may increase, but their ability to play as part in the team won’t have necessarily improved. Team chemistry doesn’t improve when training in separation.
Recognise team conflict as necessary and move on
Conflict is a part of life, we can’t always agree on everything and important decisions are made by resolving conflicts. So we shouldn’t just stamp it out at the first signs of a disagreement. Instead, shift focus onto the way in which the issue is being resolved.
It may not be pretty, but players and coaches alike will need to work things out and move forward together. Ensure that the conflict does not escalate to unrecoverable levels, but encourage understanding of each other’s points-of-view. This way, we can hope for the resolution to the conflict to be an opportunity to learn from team-mates.
Constructive criticism is a great example of how to encourage resolution instead of allowing for an escalation. Players should develop alternative ways of dealing with conflict, and be better for it afterwards when conflict is effectively managed.
Encourage your players to contribute and share ideas
Make sure your coaches, captain and leaders within the team are all contributing to the same goal, these people should be leading by example. When the less confident members of the team see this, they will know how they are expected to act. Everyone involved should feel as if they get their chance to provide input for the collective team unit.
This step can be a result of the other steps if done effectively. When players achieve a level of self-esteem and confidence in their ability and worth within a team, they will feel more able to contribute, both physically and verbally.
Include EVERYONE!
Don’t let anyone get left out unnecessarily! Everyone has room to improve and we all got into the game for the fun of it.
Take these tips and apply them to your team – maybe you’ll pull off a Leicester-level upset next season.