Rugby League Coaching Manuals

An Approach to Team Management - By Ray Unsworth... widely accepted in the business world, that to function effectively in management and have the ability to control situations as they arise in the work place, requires four main skill sets:

• Cognitive
• Motivational
• Interpersonal
• Presentational.

I don’t think it’s any different in sport. Each of the identified skills is developed over time. Each one is a personal skill and when put together would, I am sure, reflect your own individual approach to management and culminate in exuding your own unique personality and style.

In exploring each of these skills then, what exactly do we mean by cognitive and where does that fit in?

Cognitive simply means thought process.
It’s about developing the ability to think things through on the one hand and see things coming on the other. We are talking instincts, anticipation and awareness of situations. In some cases it involves second-guessing before things actually happen.

This in turn allows you to operate in a pro-active manner, rather than being reactive all the time. Undoubtedly, young managers do not bring this bottle to the party immediately. It is about experience and having a sound and reliable knowledge base to call on.

Motivational skills sees managers as leaders, target setters, who are able to achieve their goals.

They are self-motivated, able to motivate and inspirational to others. Interpersonal skills see managers first and foremost as team players. They should be able to plan in great detail and work with colleagues to create an environment of mutual respect and trust.

Presentational skills then follow, as high performing managers are able to present their decisions professionally using a variety of methods. They undoubtedly spend the majority of their time communicating with others. As a result, and by demonstrating a professional approach to all areas and in all involvements, are perceived by others to be articulate.

Because the reality is, that effective management requires high levels of leadership, knowledge and confidence.

So let us begin to explore some of the basic roles and functions that make up the role of effective team manager and a good start point would be defining what team management is.

In my opinion, it is dealing with all off the field issues and with it a shared responsibility for the team. The personal qualities that are required to fulfil this role are many fold. They include qualities such as professionalism in all you do, displaying high levels of honesty,integrity, confidence and......RLCM February Resources + Application Form