Q&A with Sir Clive Woodward
I’m delighted to be invited to this Sunday Times event that happens in London but for the first time is beamed live across Cineworlds’ in the country. It’s safe to say it’s a huge success although I may have been the only person in the audience who went in from a business angle rather than a rugby follower.I’ve been a slight fan ever since Sir Clive said that the business world can learn from sports coaching methodology. I’ve always subscribed to this and have read many sports autobiographies. The main learning is always that sports people aim to win, achieve & improve and everything they do all day long, every day, is to get to this point. And then they set new goals. Also, sports people train this hard to come first (not second). What makes a champion:
- Talent
- The capacity to learn
- Attitude
- And something else I’ve momentarily forgotten but I think the above should take you far!
Coaches
The importance of the coaching team is discussed and this is built carefully. Just putting together the best managers in the world because they have had successful elsewhere does not necessarily mean they will make a dream team.Clive (as he was addressed throughout) believes a coaching degree, other than a sports science qualification, where student’s specialise in their chosen sport will mean GB will boast more world-class home-grown coaches.The world cup winner also believes coaches can work in different sports but when asked the question if he could take on the (then soon to be filled) England football manager job, he said no. At this, the very highest level, a coach needs to have earned respect in the sport.One of Clive’s successful ways is to concentrate on winning the next game, rather than the world cup that is years away. In the same way, I have something I want to achieve this year I break down that main goal to tiny ones and make sure every day I am doing something towards it. Eg. I’m writing my first book and even on the days I’m not writing or editing it, I write other pieces, read, learn or research on how to best write it – and of course get the book published!Regarding his involvement in the Olympics, Clive is passionate that this is a huge opportunity not just for the athletes with the home advantage but for the nation as a whole. I believe him.To summarise, as with anything I have heard or read about Sir Clive Woodward before, he speaks some very sensible and inspiring words and despite amusingly being referred to as a 'hard core' reader because this event was for Times Plus members (I felt like I was in a cult!), this evening is worth every minute out of busy schedule.