Why a sporting nation can be a successful nation

May 23 2008 By Greig Cameron

Tips from Smith and Strachan could hold key to improving staff

Advice from the likes of Walter Smith, Gordon Strachan or George Burley could hold the key to growing a business and unlocking the potential of staff.

A conference held in Glasgow this week debated the possible benefits of using sports coaches to promote learning and pass on tips to businesses.

Delegates at Growing, Coaching and Mentoring Scotland heard from a range of experts on the subject.

Alan Lynn, right, from the department of sports studies at Stirling University, has coached successful Commonwealth and Olympic Games swimmers as technical director at Scottish Swimming.

Now he specialises in mentoring sports coaches and is currently researching how elite sports coaches are developed.

He is convinced those with sporting experience can have a lot to offer in the business environment and said: "The link between sports and business or the public sector may not be obvious but there is much that sports coaches can bring to the workplace that may well inspire, nurture and strengthen staff.

"Well - known sports coaches - football managers for instance - will use skills such as communicating effectively, listening and giving feedback that are also invaluable in any workplace. With the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland in 2014, now is the time to focus on what sport can teach us and how a sporting nation may very well be a successful nation."

Another area for discussion was exploring how coaches and mentors can develop new skills and contribute to success in the workplace.

Recent research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found more and more employers are using coaching in some form - up from 63 per cent in 2006 to 71 per cent in 2007 - with 72 per cent finding it useful.

The majority used coaching as a tool for personal development and improving poor performance.

Dr Stephen Gibb, of Strathclyde Business School's centre for executive education, said: "Our evidence and knowledge about what works to help people fulfil their potential, and positive outcomes and results from coaching and mentoring, is growing in a diverse set of areas.

"It's the right time to identify and share that evidence and knowledge in Scotland."

Zoe van Zwanenberg, chief executive for the Scottish Leadership Foundation, was also speaking at the event.

She said: "Mentoring and coaching can bring real, tangible benefits to both the public and private sector in Scotland.

"Experience of working with staff from chief executives to new graduates has demonstrated that coaching and mentoring can significantly enhance performance, with benefits for the individuals and their workplaces."

Other speakers included Steve Nicklen of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, Julia Parker of the Scottish Leadership Foundation and Scott Telfer of the Scottish Mentoring Network.

The conference was held at the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow.