Author – Vedika Jogani
A recent graduate from Ithaca College with a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance, Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager.
Have you ever wondered how some teams are able stay so focused on a single goal all season long?
How they bounce back after tough games, handle social media pressure, and meet the constant expectations of fans for months on end?
A fascinating ethnographic study on a National League-winning, semi-professional rugby union team in England explored these questions.
It revealed that these players relied on specific resilience-building factors that helped them stay united and ultimately win the championship.
These mechanisms created pathways to resilience, leveraging psychological and social strategies that fueled team success.
Here’s what they focused on:
Inspiring, motivating, and challenging team members to achieve performance excellence
Coaches recognized that each athlete manages setbacks and failures in their own way. While some players needed support, others benefited from more direct, constructive feedback.
To address these needs, the coaching staff took on roles tailored to each athlete, helping them stay motivated.
The team also set high, process-focused standards rather than outcome-based ones, regularly reflecting on team goals and how each effort was bringing them closer to those goals.
Develop a team-regulatory system based on ownership and responsibility
Rather than relying on a single captain, the team assigned multiple leaders with specific roles.
This shared leadership model helped them perform under pressure and encouraged honest feedback among team members.
Accountability was reinforced through visual cues, like motivational mantras and key words displayed in the locker room.
Cultivate a team identity and a togetherness based on selfless culture
The team cultivated a strong sense of unity and pride through rituals and routines.
They celebrated the concept of “One Club,” creating a shared identity through songs, team attire, and symbolic actions that reinforced their togetherness.
Expose the team to challenging training and unexpected/difficult situations
Both in training and through open communication, players faced challenging scenarios designed to test their resilience.
Together, they reflected on what mattered most and learned strategies to navigate adversity as a team.
Promoting enjoyment and keeping a positive outlook during stressors
The team kept the mood light, engaging in humor and playful rituals to remind themselves of their purpose and love for the game.
This emphasis on enjoying the process allowed them to stay motivated and resilient throughout the season.
In the end, these strategies didn’t just build resilience—they also strengthened the team’s bond and created a winning mindset that carried them all the way to the championship.
This study provides valuable insights into how teams can cultivate resilience and focus, both on and off the field.
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