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The competencies leaders need to excel in the sports medicine and sports science industry
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is a leader in developing a thriving sports medicine and sports science industry in Singapore. The Sports Medicine and Sports Science (SMSS) Division of SSC plays a crucial role in providing athletes in Singapore with the necessary guidance and services to enhance their performance. These services are, namely, sports medicine, sport biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, sport nutrition, and strength and conditioning. The SMSS Division works as a team to effectively serve athletes’ needs. Achieving high performance in sports demands a holistic training and preparation approach. This involves conditioning athletes physiologically and psychologically to ensure optimum competition performance. For instance, sport biomechanics analyzes an athlete’s technique in order to tailor training methods that help prevent injuries. Exercise physiologists objectively measure and evaluate the physical and physiological characteristics related to sports performance whereas physiotherapy services the athletes to stimulate recovery in-between training sessions. Similarly, sport dieticians and physical trainers work with athletes on their daily nutritional intake and physical training programmes, and sport psychologists prime athletes’ mind for peak performance.
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| Challenge |
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In order to better support athletes’ training needs, SMSS management recognised the importance of developing close relationships with athletes based on mutual trust, understanding and two-way communication. However, this necessitated the development of a highly coordinated approach and teamwork focused on a common goal under effective leadership among SMSS staff. Management acknowledged the need for SMSS staff to equip themselves with requisite technical and leadership skills to move forward with synergy and to best guide and inspire athletes to meet challenges in their sporting journey.
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| Solution |
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In 2005, SMSS sought out PACE Organization Dynamics to provide formal training on leadership development and inter-personal communication skills for their leaders.
PACE consultants designed customized learning programs, which challenged beliefs and practices of SMSS leaders while allowing them to acquire and practise innovative approaches and techniques to actualize leadership and inter-personal communication competencies. Openness and bonding were forged among the leaders to share opinions and feelings as willing and effective listeners and equals.
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| Results |
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Leaders reported that challenging issues in SMSS were dealt with deeper understanding and resolve after the training as opposed to past situations which had generated frustration and conflict among SMSS staff.
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Leaders were also reported to be highly committed to develop and empower their staff so as to stretch their potential and help them improve their job performance.
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Staff and leaders were reported to have taken ownership of their roles and responsibilities because they realized they were inter-dependent in improving their effectiveness in the workplace.
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