Being an elite athlete requires relationship and team working skills. It is not just about you as an individual, it is about you as a member of a broader team even when you are playing in an individual sport. The athletes that create the most favorable impression with their coaches, supporters, sponsors, and team-mates are those that handle themselves well and demonstrate people skills. These athletes listen to other people’s ideas and suggestions, they invite feedback and constructive criticism, they show respect to their coach and teammates, they are engaging and fun to be with, and they handle their emotions well. If you act like a prima donna, then you'll quickly turn your coaches, teammates, sponsors, and supporters off. Surrender the need for individual glory for the good of the team and show that you understand that winning and success come from team chemistry and the total team effort.



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Relationships Tips
1 Connect face-to-face with people you get on with as frequently as you can.
2 Initiate interactions and communications with people in your sport rather than waiting for other people to come to you.
3 Develop strong relationships with your coach, team mates, commentators, sponsors, and members of the public.
4 Aim to be moderately assertive pushing your views and ideas at times and backing off at other times.
5 Make time to have fun with, show interest in, and care for the people who matter most to you.
6 Be willing to give up your own personal achievement for the good of the group.

What experts say

It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says. I’m always having fun, talking to other guys. They even come to first base and ask me about hitting. I try to help them out as much as I can in the 30 seconds before the pitcher throws the next pitch. That’s me. I don’t think I will ever change that.

Albert Pujols Baseball Player

In sports, teams win and individuals don’t.

Fran Tarkenton American Football Player


Do the SPQ20 and find out where you are on relationships