Feature: Geoff Greenwood PAGE 6| Business Executive | Issue 123
Sports psychology is coming to the
Geoff Greenwood on the value of being the ‘athlete in a suit’
Imagine the scene You are in a corner of a steamy room. The noise is intense. People are shouting and screaming, everywhere is damp. The temperature is rising; the clock ticking. In a few minutes you will have to take to the track and get into your position. You have been training and competing for years for this moment; training in all weathers, all hours, but you have done it because you want to be the best in the world. And an Olympic medal is your objective and reward. Now your heart is thumping, your mouth is dry, muscles shaking, blood pressure rising and you cannot stop the thoughts in your head. All this brings anxiety that starts physiological meltdown. The athlete’s condition can be compared to that of a CEO on the verge of a major decision.
GEOFF GREENWOOD is a chartered accountant who, in his MBA, studied business performance through sporting science. In his work he now applies the principles of mental toughness to implement the idea of the “athlete in a suit” or sports psychology, with great success for business leaders.
What is sport psychology? Sport psychologists uses a mix of approaches to ensure the success and well being of the athletes in their care. This psychology can usefully be applied to help managers cope with the stresses of business life. The predominant use of cognitive-behavioural approaches towards performance distances it from its therapeutic use. The approach is one of self- awareness that informs and teaches that mental skills and mindset are there to be developed and changed to
ensure success in one’s goals. Once aware, various strategies and action plans can be used to eliminate the gap between vision and today’s reality. These action plans include practising mental skills on a daily basis, and developing and nourishing the brain as any other muscle group. Teaching and interventions are underpinned by scientific evidence and data from extensive research. Combined with case study and anecdotal evidence, there is a tremendous volume of help for all performance issues. This psycho-physical approach to performance ensures that the mind and body stays in balance, allowing athletes and managers to experience the “flow” of performance which ensures that it supports the strategies, technical skills and tactics needed for success. Psychological skills training focuses on significant core areas
that affect the individual’s psychological mindset. Once developed the individual shows inner excellence and demonstrates the mental strength necessary to perform under pressure. These core areas are: Direction: Professional attitude, psychological preparation, goal setting; Drive: Motivation; Control: Thought control, intensity, mental rehearsal; and Mastery: Emotional control, self confidence, concentration and mental toughness. This approach works for individuals, teams and groups both in
sport and business. These skills can be harnessed in the workplace and in the boardroom.
Performance psychology in the workplace Many business leaders and owners will understand the idea of the “corporate athlete”. The fields of sport and business are very similar. They are highly competitive, operate under extreme levels of pressure and deliver exceptional returns to those who succeed. “Athletes in a suit” deliver exceptional human performance and everybody in the workplace has the ability to perform like an
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