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The Sports Initiative Podcast

175 - Mark Bennett - How does culture effect performance?

Jun 20, 2024
01:04:45

Mark Bennett MBE is a high performance specialist consultant who has worked across the globe including Oklahoma City Thunder, Saracens Rugby and Premier League.


Mark Bennett MBE on Performance Development System1:50

Mark Bennett MBE explains the concept of culture as the natural behaviors within an organization or team, and how they manifest under pressure and in different situations. He also delves into the distinction between culture and performance, highlighting that having a great culture does not always guarantee high performance. Additionally, he discusses the importance of decision-making and judgment in various roles and situations.


Identifying Issues and Solutions 8:38

Mark Bennett MBE emphasizes the challenge of identifying the source of issues and prioritizing solutions for change. Michael Wright shares an anecdote about companies having similar values displayed on their walls, questioning the authenticity and impact of such displays. The conversation delves into the discrepancy between stated values and actual behaviors within organizations.


Managing Expectations and Clarity in Sports and Business 15:46

Mark Bennett MBE highlights the issue of unspoken expectations and lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities in sports and business. He explains how this can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings between managers, coaches, and hiring personnel, and emphasizes the importance of pre-agreement and daily honoring of expectations to avoid issues.


Interviewing and Hiring Process 19:48

Mark Bennett MBE emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence outside of the interview process when hiring coaches, citing a personal example to illustrate his point. He stresses the importance of observing coaches in action and evaluating their behaviors and interactions with players to determine their suitability for the role. Bennett also highlights the significance of the questions asked by candidates and how they align with the club's expectations and values.


Evaluating Coaching Performance 23:54

Michael Wright and Mark Bennett MBE delve into the intricacies of evaluating coaching performance, highlighting the significance of honesty and accountability in feedback. They stress the importance of providing specific, detailed feedback to coaches and the need to avoid overcomplicating or over-rationalizing assessments.


Managing High Performance and Culture 36:35

Michael Wright discusses the challenge of balancing high performance and culture in high-stress environments, citing the England cricket team as an example. He raises concerns about the impact on well-being and the potential for resentment. Mark Bennett MBE responds by emphasizing the importance of effective communication and managing one's state to maximize performance potential.


Managing Behavioral Challenges in Sports Training 40:27

Mark Bennett MBE illustrates a real-world scenario of managing behavioral challenges in sports training, highlighting the case of a basketball player from a rough neighborhood who exhibited inappropriate behavior during training sessions. Bennett emphasizes the importance of identifying weaknesses and intervening with clarity and honesty to address unacceptable behavior, ultimately aiming for progress and self-management within the athletes.


Culture, Performance, and Wellness in Sports 43:57

Mark Bennett MBE highlights the need to eliminate toxic behavior in sports culture and emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between wellness and performance. Michael Wright questions the management of perceptions around high-performing teams and the misconception of mistaking edge for bullying, citing examples from historical data and personal experiences in football environments.







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