Brittany Loney on Improving Group Decision Making, Leading Through Volatility, and Attention Allocations
Feb 21, 2025
auto_awesome
Brittany Loney, Founder and CEO of Elite Cognition, specializes in nurturing leaders in high-pressure environments. In this insightful conversation, she shares strategies for enhancing group decision-making and emotional management during volatile moments. Loney emphasizes the significance of recognizing individual player dynamics and optimizing attention allocation. She also explores the intricacies of team communication and problem-solving, stressing the need for adaptable leadership to navigate internal challenges. Expect valuable tips for real-time decision-making in sports!
Understanding individual emotional states is essential for coaches to tailor warm-up routines and optimize player performance.
A structured decision-making model with attention allocation and anticipation can enhance decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
Promoting effective communication and understanding diverse problem-solving styles within a team fosters innovation and strong team dynamics.
Deep dives
Emotional Control in Performance
Every individual has a unique emotional state that influences their performance in sports. Certain players thrive on high energy and excitement, while others perform better in calmer or even negative emotions. For instance, a player might shine under pressure and intense hype while another may do better when feeling subdued. Understanding these nuances is critical for coaches to tailor warm-up routines that cater to the diverse emotional needs of their players.
Dynamic Decision-Making Model
A dynamic decision-making model crucially includes four key steps: attention allocation, anticipation, response selection, and decision execution. Attention allocation refers to identifying where focus is directed, which could affect the outcome based on whether attention is on relevant or irrelevant elements in the environment. Anticipation involves predicting outcomes, while response selection identifies the most effective option available for execution. By systematically reviewing these steps, particularly in high-pressure situations, individuals can refine their decision-making and improve performance.
Long-Term Working Memory and Knowledge Access
Long-term working memory plays a vital role in performance as it influences the accessibility of knowledge and experience. During high-stress situations, players may experience reduced access to vital information, akin to a tested student who can’t recall answers during an exam due to stress. Coaches are encouraged to create conditions that optimize the internal environment, helping players access relevant information effectively. Implementing strategies such as stress management and practice under pressure can expand players' knowledge boxes, improving situational responsiveness.
Deliberate Practice Versus Flow States
While achieving a 'flow' or ‘in the zone’ state can significantly enhance performance, it should not be the sole focus for athletes and coaches. Deliberate practice is essential for building performance capacity and should be balanced against attempts to reach flow states. Coaches frequently seek immediate solutions to enhance performance while overlooking the value of methodical practice that builds the necessary skills over time. It is vital for leaders to promote an environment where both modes are valued, ensuring athletes are prepared regardless of whether they reach a flow state.
Team Dynamics and Communication
Strong team dynamics hinge on effective communication and understanding of each member’s decision-making style. Diverse approaches to problem-solving can either lead to conflict or innovation within a team, depending on how well these differences are acknowledged and managed. Concepts like shared situational awareness and after-action reviews are critical for helping teams understand their collective and individual decision-making processes. By fostering an environment where team members communicate openly about their roles, coaches can cultivate a more cohesive and responsive unit.
Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Founder and CEO of Elite Cognition, Brittany Loney. In this highly interesting conversation the trio dive into all things about improving group excellence and decision making, and discusses coaching through volatility and uncertainty, and optimizing the planner during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"
To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode