David Charlton and Duncan O'Brien discuss the emotional challenges in football, focusing on blame, shame, guilt, and anger in this week’s episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness.  Duncan, influenced by Brene Brown's work, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and collaboration in coaching.  He highlights the need for coaches to create supportive yet challenging environments, using tools like Clean Language to foster self-awareness and resilience.  They explore how emotions like shame can manifest in players, affecting their performance and behaviour.  The conversation underscores the significance of coaches communicating effectively and setting clear expectations to help players navigate stress and criticism, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective coaching dynamic.

Key Learning Points:

·        Explore using clean language techniques in football coaching to help players develop self-awareness.

·        Encourage players to ask questions of each other rather than giving direct orders or criticism during challenging situations.

·        Educate coaches and players on the difference between shame and guilt, and how to address feelings of shame in a constructive way.

·        Mistakes are common in football and pointing the fingers, blaming can lead to guilt, impacting players' confidence and bravery.

·        Vulnerability is essential to encourage courageous behaviours and collaboration, however it is dependent on the relationship and trust developed between coaches and players.

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Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports

Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football

Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

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