Tag: teamwork

Sporting leadership: Lessons for business. Part 2

Linda

Continuing the blog piece of leadership lessons business can learn from sports.

In Part 1 we compiled some of the resources relating to rugby and the All Blacks, not only a phenomenally successful sports team, but also a successful business.

In this second part we have gathered together some other leadership resources from across a range of other sports with relevance to business.  These are stories of  success, endurance, leadership and team culture.

via GIPHY

Overcome Mistakes Like an Elite Athlete by Marina Harris and published in Psychology Today. Posted August 3, 2023.
Offers a five-step framework to help you bounce back from everyday mistakes.

Will to win : New Zealand netball greats on team culture and leadership / McCarthy, Lana
“A fascinating deep-dive into the development of the Silver Ferns’ traditions, the evolution of team culture and the nuts-and-bolts of leadership at an elite sporting level. The 12 legendary players and coaches interviewed – including Lois Muir, Leigh Gibbs, Sandra Edge, Bernice Mene, Ruth Aitken and Casey Williams – candidly discuss the highs and lows of their careers, and of the Silver Ferns, the effect of the intense rivalry with Australia, coping with gut-wrenching losses, and the resilience of players and coaches. For the first time the perspective of these key actors is the subject of serious analysis, and the book is a real insight into the psychology of a women’s highperformance team. As such, it provides a practical guide for developing team culture and leadership for netball coaches at all levels. It also includes comments from Farah Palmer and Noeline Taurua on women in sport and leadership, and a brief history of New Zealand netball, including the gains and losses as netball moved into a semi-professional era, and the struggles for sponsorship and for media recognition, despite it being New Zealand’s most popular team sport.” (Catalogue)  Also available as Ebook Libby

Sevens sisters : how a people-first culture turned silver into gold / Swannell, Rikki
“The Black Ferns Sevens have been the dominant force in the Women’s World Sevens Series since its inception in 2012, with five series titles, as well as claiming gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their recent runaway success has been forged on the back of hard work and a family-like culture.” (Catalogue)

 

Blake leader : leadership lessons from a great New Zealander / Orams, Mark
“New Zealand lost one of its favourite sons when Sir Peter Blake was shot and killed in the Amazon in late 2001. Blake had become a icon after leading New Zealand to victory in the 1995 and 2000 America’s Cups, following earlier successes in the Whitbread Round the World Race and Jules Verne Challenge. His accomplishments demonstrate his skill at assembling, managing and leading winning teams. Blake: Leader is written by sailor and marine scientist Dr Mark Orams, who sailed around the world with Blake and worked with him at Team New Zealand and Blakexpeditions. In this book he looks at Blake’s successful style of leadership from a personal viewpoint. It mixes reminiscences and anecdotes from Orams and other sporting and business figures who worked closely with Blake with practical observations of how he chose and led teams. Break-out boxes and chapter summaries highlight key points and techniques that can be used by leaders and team members in a wide range of sports and business situations. Chapters include building a great team, being a great leader, encouraging a great work ethic and having a winning attitude. It also examines the unique New Zealand style of leadership demonstrated by other great Kiwi leaders and how Blake’s legacy can be taken into the future.” (Catalogue)

Chasing the cup : my America’s Cup journey / Spithill, Jimmy
“If Ben Ainslie manages to win the right to compete for the America’s Cup in 2017, Jimmy Spithill is the man he’ll be up against. Jimmy is the world’s most successful racing skipper, and at 37 has already reached legendary status. In 2013 he led Oracle Team USA to victory against New Zealand against massive odds, recovering from 1-8 to win 9-8 (the Wall Street Journal called it `one of the greatest comebacks in sports history’), and is the skipper for Oracle’s upcoming 2017 America’s Cup defence as well. This is his autobiography, and it opens with a young Jimmy in hospital about to have surgery on his leg, being told by the doctors he’ll never be much good at sport. This sparks a life-long determination to prove them wrong. He won his first race aged 10, and using a credit card to pay for travel he went on winning races all over the country, and then the world. He debuted in the America’s Cup as a skipper at age 20, and after a tough legal battle to free himself from his contract with the Young Australia team, he sailed in the next two Cups before becoming the youngest ever winner of the America’s Cup in 2010, as helmsman and skipper of BMW Oracle Team 90, only to win it again three years later in 2013. This book is far from the usual media-trained official account you often get, especially in the closed-off world of the America’s Cup. Jimmy’s open, honest style gives us a rare insight into what goes on in the head of an extremely focused man at the top of his game. It’s a rags-to-riches story of fierce determination, court cases, seasickness, crashed boats and cars, alcohol and winning against all the odds. And it all contributed to turning a quiet, bullied, water-loving blue-collar redhead born in Sydney into one of sailing’s biggest rock stars. A compelling read, with many lessons in leadership, teamwork and achieving your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.” (Catalogue)

One life / Rapinoe, Megan
“Megan Rapinoe was four years old when she kicked her first soccer ball. Her parents encouraged her love for the game, but taught her that winning was much less important than how she lived her life. Here she reflects on the choices she has made, her victories and her failures, and embarks on a thoughtful and candid discussion of her personal journey into social justice. After the 2011 World Cup, discouraged by how few athletes were willing to discuss their sexuality, Rapinoe decided to come out publicly as gay and use her platform to advocate for marriage equality. In 2016 she took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Rapinoe discusses the obligation we all have to speak up, and the impact each of us can have on our communities. — adapted from jacket” (Catalogue)

Forward : a memoir / Wambach, Abby
“Abby Wambach has always pushed the limits of what is possible. Named by Time magazine as one of the most influential people of 2015, the soccer player captured the nation’s heart when she led her team to its recent World Cup Championship. Abby is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equal opportunity, pushing to translate the success of her team to the real world. Now Abby recounts her own decisions, wins, losses, and the pivotal moments that helped her become the world class athlete and leader she is today. Abby’s book goes beyond the soccer field to reveal a person grappling universal questions about how we can live our best lives, and become our truest selves. Written with honesty and heart, Forward is a blueprint for individual growth and rousing call to action.” (Catalogue)

Leading / Ferguson, Alex
“After an astonishing career-first in Scotland, and then over 27 years with Manchester United Football Club, Sir Alex Ferguson delivers Leading, in which the greatest soccer coach of all time will analyze the pivotal leadership decisions of his 38 years as a manager and, with his friend and collaborator Sir Michael Moritz, draw out lessons anyone can use in business and life to generate long-term transformational success. From hiring practices to firing decisions, from dealing with transition to teamwork, from mastering the boardroom to responding to failure and adversity, Leading is as inspiring as it is practical, and a go-to reference for any leader in business, sports, and life.”–provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

On leadership lessons from sports
“The world’s elite athletes and coaches achieve high performance through inspiring leadership, strategic choices, and mental toughness. Harvard Business Review has talked to many of them throughout the years to learn how their success can translate to business leadership. If you read nothing else on management lessons from the world of sports, read these 10 articles by athletes, coaches, and experts in the field. We’ve combed through Harvard Business Review’s archive and selected the articles that will best help you drive your performance–whether as a individual contributor or a leader. This book will inspire you to: – Improve your weaknesses, not just your strengths – Hold everyone to high standards–especially your stars – Find meaning in success–and in challenge – Take care of your body for sustained mental performance – Identify the right rivalries to bring out the best in you – Build your team from the bottom up – Understand where the analogy of sports and business doesn’t work– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

The winning mindset : what sport can teach us about great leadership / Hughes, Damian
“In The Winning Mindset, Professor Damian Hughes, the acclaimed author of Liquid Thinking and How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson, draws on both his lifetime experience and academic background within sport, organization and change psychology to reveal the best ways to create a winning mindset in both personal and professional life.” (Catalogue)

 

The captain class : the hidden force that creates the world’s greatest teams / Walker, Sam
“Walker starts with one of the most hotly debated questions in sports: What are the greatest teams ever–particularly those that sustained success over a long period of time. He devised a formula to compare the achievements of teams from leagues all over the world, and after painstakingly profiling thousands of them, produced a comprehensive, unbiased list of the 16 best. Period. At that point, Walker became obsessed with another, more complicated question: What did these teams have in common? A genius coach? A transcendent superstar? A ground breaking system? Or was it all a matter of chemistry? A surprising pattern emerged: There was a very specific kind of leader at the center of these teams, a force that drove them to greatness, and they all shared eight specific characteristics. Who they are, who they are not, and the traits they shared will fascinate anyone who follows sports or is interested in building a team — and winning. Told through riveting stories of some of the most compelling and pressure-soaked moments in sports history, Walker not only brings these uncommon leaders to life, he presents a counterintuitive view of leadership–one that can apply to a wide spectrum of competitive disciplines, particularly business”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Staying the distance : the lessons from sport that business leaders have been missing / Baker, Catherine
“Leadership can be hard. It can certainly be relentless. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the well-being, health and sustained performance of many senior leaders, and yet strong leadership remains central to the performance of every single organization. Business leaders are very familiar with drawing lessons from elite sport, particularly around teams, leadership and high performance. But we have all been missing a trick. Day in, day out, sport has been showing us not only how to improve, perform and achieve, but how to do so on a sustained basis, consistently delivering results when it matters. This book shines a light on these unseen lessons, and provides a clear and practical roadmap for how to deploy them in the reader’s own leadership practices. With Catherine Baker’s unique view into world-class sport and top-level business, and with insights from top performers in both worlds, this book provides a fresh and dynamic take on how – consistently and over the long term – to bring out the best in yourself, and in those you lead.”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Introverts and Extroverts : working with, or managing, different personality types

Linda

 

Christina is the confident, social type, always among the last to leave the party and who can work a room with ease.  An extrovert.  For her, social events and personal interaction are energising.

Will, however, is the one in the corner at a work event, looking uncomfortable, hoping to someone might talk to him but kind of hoping no-one will.  An introvert.  Social situations for Will are often challenging, and talking to strangers is something he finds draining, requiring lots of time to recharge afterwards.

These are of course the opposite end of the personality spectrum with the majority of people sitting somewhere between the two, combining aspects of both personality types.  That makes them ambiverts.  Ambiverts are happy to attend a social event, chat to people, then just as happy to go home and recharge.

So to first check – although you probably suspect which group you fall into – take this quick pop quiz

Psychology Today provides definitions of both extroversion  and introversion 

Extroversion is a personality trait typically characterized by outgoingness, high energy, and/or talkativeness. In general, the term refers to a state of being where someone “recharges,” or draws energy, from being with other people; the opposite—drawing energy from being alone—is known as introversion.
 

Introversion is a basic personality style characterized by a preference for the inner life of the mind over the outer world of other people. … Compared to extroverts, introverts enjoy subdued and solitary experiences.

Regardless of what group you identify with, being outgoing or retiring, can impact on how you are perceived in the workplace, your leadership style and relationships with others.

An extrovert who draws like minded people to them may make up a team of similar personality types, overlooking a competent, yet quieter, personality.  A team that is made up of extroverts can impact on functionality as much as an introvert dominated group.

Interestingly much more is published about either being introverted or from the introverts perspective than that of the extroverts.

If you identify as an introvert how do you hold your own quieter place in a “loud” world?  Can you be a successful leader if you tend to have introvert qualities?  If you are an extroverted leader how do you engage with introverted team members? 

The thing to remember is we are all different.  There’s no “right” or “wrong” personality type.

via GIPHY

This collection of resources will help guide you to understanding yourself and your colleagues and employees.

How to Be a Great Boss Even if You’re an Introvert
Embrace traits that improve relationships with your staff.

Do you have to be loud to be successful at work? This is an audio transcript of the Working It podcast episode — Managing introverts in your team: quiet voices in a loud world
 

Managing Introverts and Extroverts in the Hybrid Workplace.
Dhawan, Erica. Harvard Business Review Digital Articles. 8/19/2021, p1-4. 4p. , Database: Business Source Premier (access with library registration)
With many introverts opting to work remotely and extroverts more likely to want to go back to the office, how do you ensure your entire team remains engaged, productive, and happy?

Unique Problems Introverts Face In The Workplace.
By: Finkle, Jane. Leadership Excellence. Jul2019, Vol. 36 Issue 7, p28-30. 3p. , Database: Business Source Premier.  (access with library registration)
The article discusses the unique issues confronting introvert employees in the workplace and how they can effectively resolve them. Also cited are the importance of interpersonal relationships to succeed in one’s job, the calm and powerful perspective that introverts can contribute in the workplace, as well as tips on how leaders can compel introverts to speak up in group and supervisory meetings, as well as in improving relationships with coworkers.

Marketing Yourself If You’re Not An Extrovert
If you are introverted, doing things such as attending networking events and mixers or speaking in large groups may be things that you shy away from. However, there are ways you can still excel

It’s Possible to Be an Introverted Entrepreneur—Here’s How
Whether you just launched a startup or have been running your small business for years, if you are an introvert, you likely face challenges unique to your quiet temperament.

Stop Telling Introverts to Act Like Extroverts
Evy Kuijpers, Joeri Hofmans, and Bart Wille in Harvard Business Review, October 17, 2022 (online)
It’s well-known that engaging in extroverted activities such as networking and public speaking can help people advance their careers. Research has further suggested that in some cases, even naturally introverted people may be energized and feel better in the moment when engaging in these behaviors. However, studies have also shown that acting more extroverted than you are can take a substantial mental toll in the longer-term, leading to lower energy levels and potentially cancelling out the personal and professional benefits. As such, the authors argue that naturally more-introverted people should carefully weigh the benefits of putting on an extroverted face, and should make sure to give themselves time to recharge if and when they do decide to participate in extroverted activities.

The introvert’s edge : how the quiet and shy can outsell anyone / Pollard, Matthew
“Introverts can not only still be salespeople; they can be incredible salespeople–without changing who they are!” (Catalogue)

 

 

The introvert’s way : living a quiet life in a noisy world / Dembling, Sophia
“For anyone who loved Susan Cain’s Quiet, comes this practical manifesto sharing the joys of introversion…This clever and pithy book challenges introverts to take ownership of their personalities…with quiet strength. Sophia Dembling asserts that the introvert’s lifestyle is not “wrong” or lacking, as society or extroverts would have us believe. Through a combination of personal insights and psychology, The Introvert’s Way helps and encourages introverts to embrace their nature, to respect traits they may have been ashamed of and reframe them as assets. You’re not shy; rather, you appreciate the joys of quiet. You’re not antisocial; instead, you enjoy recharging through time alone. You’re not unfriendly, but you do find more meaning in one-on-one connections than large gatherings. By honoring what makes them unique, this astute and inspiring audiobook challenges introverts to “own” their introversion, igniting a quiet revolution that will change how they see themselves and how” (Catalogue) 

Quiet : the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking / Cain, Susan
“At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who invent and create but prefer not to pitch their own ideas; who favour working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labelled “quiet”, it is to introverts we owe many of the great contributions to society – from Van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with the indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Susan Cain charts the rise of “the extrovert ideal” over the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects – how it helps to determine everything from how parishioners worship to who excels at Harvard Business School. And she draws on cutting-edge research on the biology and psychology of temperament to reveal how introverts can modulate their personalities according to circumstance, how to empower an introverted child, and how companies can harness the natural talents of introverts. This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.” (Catalogue)  Also available as an E-book format or audiobook  

The power of personality : how introverts and extroverts can combine to amazing effect / Loehken, Sylvia
“Management writers have come up with many tools for explaining how different types of personalities can work best together. But they have ignored the most important personality difference of all – the difference between introverts and extroverts. This book is the first book to fill that gap. This book follows up from Sylvia Loehken’s international bestseller Quiet Impact, published in the UK in June, and will be required reading for all managers and anyone who wants to understand their colleagues better.” (Catalogue)

Quiet impact / Loehken, Sylvia
“Most literature on business, communication and success is focused on extroverts, who feel comfortable networking, talking and being the centre of attention. But at least 30% of the population are introverts, and they are now finding their voice. Quiet Impact : How to Be a Successful Introvert is already an international phenomenon. Using the latest psychological research, and Dr Loehken’s own extensive experience coaching introverts in the workplace, it is packed with practical advice which is easy to implement. Dr Loehken identifies 10 strengths specific strengths that introverts often have (such as independence, perseverance and writing), and also identifies ten specific hurdles they often have to overcome (such as hyperstimulation, intellectualism and fear of conflict).” (Catalogue)  Also available as an E-book

The introvert entrepreneur : amplify your strengths and create success on your own terms / Buelow, Beth L.
“A practical guide to help introverts harness their natural gifts and entrepreneurial spirit.   Think you have to be loud and brash to be successful in business? Think again. The strengths and traits of the typical introvert lend themselves well to entrepreneurship, as well as “intrapreneurship” and a range of business roles. In The Introvert Entrepreneur, professional coach Beth Buelow shows readers how to harness their natural gifts (including curiosity, independence, and a love of research) and counteract their challenges (such as an aversion to networking and self-promotion). She addresses a wide range of topics –from managing fears and expectations and developing a growth mindset to networking, marketing, leadership skills, and community-building–informed by interviews with introverts who have created successful businesses without compromising their core personality. Filled with fresh insights and actionable advice, this essential guide will support anyone who’s striving to make a difference in a loud and chaotic world.” (Catalogue)

Taking the work out of networking : an introvert’s guide to making connections that count / Wickre, Karen
“Networking has garnered a reputation as a sort of necessary evil in the modern business world. Some do relish the opportunity to boldly work the room, introduce themselves to strangers, and find common career ground–but for many others, the experience is often awkward, or even terrifying. The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years. She shows you to embrace your true nature to create sustainable connections that can be called upon for you to get–and give–career assistance, advice, introductions, and lasting connections. Karen’s “embrace your quiet side” approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party… With compelling arguments and creative strategies, this new way to network is perfect not only for introverts, but for anyone who wants for a less conventional approach to get ahead in today’s job market”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Quietly powerful : how your quiet nature is your hidden leadership strength / Miki, Megumi
“In the uncertain, changing, global and interconnected world, the ‘alpha’ or ‘hero’ leadership style alone is outdated and inadequate. Quieter professionals, who are often overlooked or taken advantage of without recognition, have immense value to contribute to organisations. In this book, Megumi Miki shares her own experience and those of many other quiet professionals who have achieved great success in the business environment. Megumi believes that a shift in our beliefs about leadership will allow talented quiet professionals to view their quiet nature as a strength and to succeed in their own way, rather than seeing it as a disadvantage. She aims to empower quieter professionals and those outside majority groups to fulfil their potential. Quietly Powerful challenges quiet professionals to reframe the story they tell themselves about their leadership potential – and encourages organisations to expand their ideas about what good leadership looks, sounds and feels like.” (Catalogue)

Self-promotion for introverts : the quiet guide to getting ahead / Ancowitz, Nancy
“Get noticed . . . and get ahead.  All too often, introverts get passed over for job offers and promotions while their more extroverted colleagues get all of the recognition. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Self-Promotion for Introverts(R), business communication coach and intrepid introvert Nancy Ancowitz helps introverts tap into their quiet strengths, articulate their accomplishments, and launch an action plan for gaining career advancement. You will learn how to: Promote yourself without bragging– when networking, on job” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The introvert’s complete career guide : from landing a job, to surviving, thriving, and moving on up / Finkle, Jane
“This handbook demonstrates how to use your introverted qualities to their best advantage, then add a few extroverted skills to round out a forceful combination for ultimate career success. Includes keys to navigating each stage of professional development–from self-assessment and job search to survival in a new position and career advancement”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)
Available as an E-book

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.