The Sports
Psychology Blog
Today's Sports Psychology blog comes after Barnet's initiative to improve their poor disciplinary record.
Football: Paul Fairclough - Enlightened Leadership
"I
am the leader and I guide them along the path but it's their team and
they have to be accountable. If they have ideas that enhance the team
we respect that''. Barnet's manager Paul Fairclough speaking after his
side determined a new approach to overcome their disciplinary problems.
From now on, only an elected player will speak to the referee when a
decision needs to be disputed.
This honourable approach has led to an obvious improvement in team discipline, but also in form. Four successive wins suggests the team are no longer distracted by side issues and are able to retain a clearer focus and concentration levels.
Paul Fairclough's leadership style is far-sighted. 'It's their team'...this works as a concept on a number of levels. Firstly, it allows the team to take on increased responsibility for their actions and creates self-leaders. Players able to make decisions in the midst of a game. Players able to think on their feet. People you can rely on. Thus more players care about the outcomes. Stronger individuals. Stronger team.
This concept also frees Paul Fairclough up mentally, allows him to be more instinctive in his decision making. Responding to the needs of the moment, rather than a prescriptive response.
It takes a strong manager to take this approach to team leadership. Strong in self awareness. A powerful ingredient for an effective leader. But Paul Fairclough's approach opens up the notion of whose team is it? Many managers fall into the trap of thinking it is THEIR team. This leads to a command and control style of leadership, with it's attendant anxieties and stress.
It takes a brave manager to adopt the Paul Fairclough
approach to leadership. But the chances are that his bravery and insight
will have its rewards. For in choosing to respect the referee and officials, his
players are also choosing to respect the game. And those who respect
the game will reap the rewards from the game itself.
