In his latest Mind Room column, Jonathan Harding speaks to the authors of a new study examining how narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism influence sporting relationships
In my experience (a pro swimmer of 16 years and counting), the best athletes I have ever met almost seemed to have two personalities.
One was the kind, compassionate, and supportive teammate outside of the pool, and the other was a total beast in the pool. They could switch between the two when it was time to perform.
During the performance, a monster came out to win, but afterwards, they were back to their calmer and more composed selves.
When I tried to apply this to my own career, I initially found it incredibly hard to do, however, with some practice, the switch got easier.
This switch often throws people off as it doesn't seem normal at first. Over time, however, I and my teammates adjusted to these high performers and their personalities.
Really interesting point, Anze. I remember Roy Keane saying something very similar when interviewed about the on-pitch persona he displayed during his time at Manchester United. It was, to all intents and purposes, an act (designed in part to portray the 'beast mode' you mention, and, perhaps, the kind of self absorbed ruthlessness traditionally associated with high performamce)
In my experience (a pro swimmer of 16 years and counting), the best athletes I have ever met almost seemed to have two personalities.
One was the kind, compassionate, and supportive teammate outside of the pool, and the other was a total beast in the pool. They could switch between the two when it was time to perform.
During the performance, a monster came out to win, but afterwards, they were back to their calmer and more composed selves.
When I tried to apply this to my own career, I initially found it incredibly hard to do, however, with some practice, the switch got easier.
This switch often throws people off as it doesn't seem normal at first. Over time, however, I and my teammates adjusted to these high performers and their personalities.
Really interesting point, Anze. I remember Roy Keane saying something very similar when interviewed about the on-pitch persona he displayed during his time at Manchester United. It was, to all intents and purposes, an act (designed in part to portray the 'beast mode' you mention, and, perhaps, the kind of self absorbed ruthlessness traditionally associated with high performamce)