Crucial skill for the coaches of elite athletes is not only to have a technical background updated continuously, but especially the ability to manage the best athletes. They are coach – leader acting as a leader to conduct them to achieve their best performances. They are not coach – teacher as they should be with those less experienced. These coaches talk and make themselves in the shoes of the other to establish emotional closeness. This is necessary because the top athletes have built through their careers a specific profile summarized as follows:
- have achieved some of the goals they had set, and therefore are considered successful people
- are characterized by the energy and commitment
- their skills emerge in a decisive manner in situations of increased competitive pressure
- are convinced to be able to deal with most of the situations or problems
- assume responsibility for the results of their performances
- are perceived by others as reliable and competent
- are often considered by most people as young as a model to emulate
- derive maximum satisfaction from the continuous renewal of the challenges facing
- are driven to find solutions
- seek the contribution of people who can help them in achieving their goals
Of course we must not fall into the trap of believing that a good level of effectiveness in these areas will be achieved with ease or that these individuals do not live moments of difficulty. On the contrary, these skills and standards are achieved and maintained through a continuous work, an effort to improve even when it seems far away, pursued even in those days that are frustrating.
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