Warmth vs. Competence
New research from Nipissing University examined the characteristics parents/guardians use to judge unknown youth hockey coaches. The findings reveal that parents/guardians determined the coach to be less suitable if they’re perceived to lack competence, whereas a perceived lack of warmth did not have similar consequences. Read more about the findings and what they mean for…
Intellectual humility
“Intellectual humility”, often related to open-mindedness, is linked to four key leadership characteristics: respect for other viewpoints; not being intellectually overconfident; separating one’s ego from one’s intellect; and willingness to revise one’s own viewpoint. However, philosophers argue the most effective leaders have one additional characteristic – “openness to experience”, which makes them curious enough to…
Unpaid Interns
Many sport organizations rely on unpaid interns to provide valuable workplace opportunities to students and young professionals, and boost capacity during busy times. However, some unpaid intern positions are contrary to employment laws in Canada. On #ThrowbackThursday, learn more in this “old but good” 2014 blog from the Sport Law & Strategy Group.
Communities of character
A values-based approach to sport supports the development of “communities of character” where athletes, coaches, officials, parents and other stakeholders work together to create a welcoming, safe, athlete-centred environment. Learn more about values-based sport and creating communities of character in the SIRCuit.
Resolving Conflict
In the world of sport we often praise a tough-skinned approach to any challenge. But what effect does this have in the workplace? In today’s SIRC blog, Olympian-turned-communications coach Claire Carver-Dias wonders, “Is it possible that sport’s aggressive, win-at-all-costs mentality has squeezed out space for peaceful conflict resolution between sport colleagues?” and provides tips to…
Resolving Conflict: The Power of Dialogue and Authentic Apology
Healthy conflict is an important part of productive work relationships, but the moment that conflict morphs into something more insidious, issues ensue. In the world of sport we often praise a win-at-all-costs approach to any challenge. When a prospective opponent faces us, we put up our fists, ready to defend our territory. Has this mentality…
Can we better Retain Sport Officials by Asking Them to Do More? The Opportunity of “Stage-appropriate Officiating”
Having and keeping enough qualified officials is a challenge for many sport organizations. Could we retain them by asking them to do more? It may seem counter-intuitive, but research into the challenges faced by sport officials and what motivates them suggests “stage-appropriate officiating” may provide an opportunity to retain officials while supporting quality sport experiences…
Workplace Wellness
According to research by the Conference Board of Canada, workplace health and wellness was estimated to be a booming $6 billion industry and set to permeate 78% of workplaces in 2016. This trend has continued to grow throughout 2017 with workplaces exploring various ways to ensure the well-being of their employees. And while creating a…
Remote vs Onsite Employees: Challenging the notion that one size fits all
Workplaces have changed and provided more employee options over the last few year both in physical space design, the flexibility in hours employers provide, and the options to work from offsite or on. These changes are in response to employers trying to create the most productive work environment for their employees and to satisfy the…
The Truth about “Sitting Kills”
Between productivity losses and direct healthcare costs, the worldwide economic burden of physical inactivity was $67.5 billion in 2013. People aren’t moving enough and are sitting too much, contributing to what many call a global pandemic of physical inactivity. Results from studies in Western countries show that in general, people spend the majority of their…