Literature review of sport psychology at workplace

Numerous studies in the field emphasise the intersection of sport psychology with the business realm. According to Gonzalez (2021), the effortless transfer of mental techniques—such as goal setting, positive self-talk, visualisation, and relaxation—stands out as a hallmark, proving to be versatile tools that enhance performance in both sports and business settings.

Gordon (2007); Foster (2006) also highlighted performance rituals and routines, mood and confidence boosting, optimism training and attention and focus control as essential skills that can be adapted to business settings from sport psychology.

In the application of sport psychology to the workplace, practitioners adhere to fundamental principles for seamless integration:

● Market Alignment: Sports psychologists exhibit a keen understanding of the business market and client needs, ensuring interventions are tailored for precise problem-solving.

● Success Embodiment: Central to the approach of sports psychologists is the alignment of strategies with the client's vision of success, resulting in a comprehensive and effective intervention.

● Cross-Domain Communication: The use of communication strategies that transcend traditional domains is a key practice among sports psychologists. This fosters a shared understanding among team members, promoting effective collaboration (Ievleva & Terry, 2008).

Leveraging their extensive psychological expertise, sport psychologists have the ability to mold what Loehr and Schwartz (2001) coined as "corporate athletes." This term refers to individuals who draw upon a reservoir of psychological strengths and coping strategies, utilizing them to overcome doubts and compensate for weaknesses. By instilling an appreciation that success is often the result of sustained effort rather than an easy triumph, modeled after champion athletes, sport psychologists encourage business clients to adopt comparable long-term developmental goals. This approach fosters a mindset that values patience and persistence in the face of adversity, creating a cohesive strategy for achieving success in the corporate arena (Ievleva & Terry, 2008).

The 'Wheel of Excellence,' developed by Orlick (2008), serves as a comprehensive model illustrating the seamless transfer of performance psychology principles from the realm of sports to business. This model, rooted in the foundational work of Orlick and Partington (1988), encompasses key elements consistently associated with peak performance, all within an individual's personal control. The wheel's seven fundamental components include:

● Focus: This is like aiming for a bullseye. It means concentrating on what's important and staying focused during tasks.Think of it as keeping your eye on the ball in sports. It involves staying in the present moment and avoiding distractions.

● Commitment: Making a choice to succeed. It's like deciding to do your best and putting in the effort needed to achieve your goals. Just like athletes commit to their sport, it's about committing to work tasks and also balancing personal life for overall well-being.

● Mental Readiness: Being ready in your mind for different tasks. Athletes have rituals; in business, it's about preparing your mindset for challenges. Imagine having a mental plan for important moments, helping you stay calm and focused, even when things get tough.

● Positive Images: Creating good mental pictures. It's about imagining success instead of worrying about failure. For example, in sports, golfers imagine hitting the ball perfectly. In business, it's picturing successful outcomes.

● Confidence: Believing in yourself. If you think you can do something, you're more likely to succeed. It's like having a guardian angel – your belief in your abilities. Others believing in you also boosts your confidence.

● Distraction Control: Dealing with things that can take your focus away. It involves having plans to stay on track, even when unexpected things happen. Just like athletes have plans for unexpected situations, in business, it's about handling distractions without losing focus.

● Ongoing Learning: Always learning from experiences. It's like reviewing what went well and what didn't to do better next time. Successful people often want feedback. Learning from both successes and mistakes is crucial for continuous improvement.

This model highlights the essential psychological factors that contribute to success in both sports and business, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, self-reflection, and a holistic approach to individual development.

In conclusion, this review highlights the symbiotic relationship between sport psychology and business success. The versatile application of mental techniques, the moulding of 'corporate athletes,' and the illustrative 'Wheel of Excellence' collectively emphasise the importance of psychological adaptability in achieving peak performance. As businesses navigate complexities, understanding and integrating these psychological principles can pave the way for enhanced resilience, focus, and a holistic approach to success.

References

Foster, S. (2008). Peak performance coaching: Bringing out the best in people at work, on the stage, and in life. Ventura, CA: Executive College Press

Gonzales, J. O. (2022). Successful Sport Psychology Consultation in a Business Domain (Doctoral dissertation, University of Arizona Global Campus).

Gordon, S. (2007). Sport and business coaching: Perspective of a sport psychologist. Australian Psychologist, 42, 271–282.

Orlick, T. & Partington, J. (1988). Mental links to excellence. The Sport Psychologist, 2, 105–130.

Orlick, T. (2008). In pursuit of excellence (4th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.