In this episode Professor and head of the Lifespan Performance Laboratory at York University, Canada Dr.Joe Baker joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss ‘The Tyranny of Talent’- how it limits and compels athletic achievement…..and why you should largely ignore it.
During the conversation they discuss amongst other things:
- Trying to define talent and our misused application as coaches and parents
- The challenges of Talent Identification
- The ‘label of talent’ and how it can potentially hinder motivation
- The importance of the role of parents in the sporting system
- Optimising talent development environments, putting the person at the centre of our thinking and not treating athletes as commodities
- Prioritising the sporting journey over any potential outcomes
- Undermining the power of sport by having unrealistic expectations
- The limitations of the ‘Nature v Nurture’ debate
- The importance of an individualised approach with each athlete alongside a wider coaching framework
- Thoughts on the development of the youth sporting landscape over the next decade
Dr. Joe Baker is Professor and head of the Lifespan Performance Laboratory at York University, Canada. His research considers the varying influences on optimal human development, ranging from issues affecting athlete development and skill acquisition to barriers and facilitators of optimal ageing. He has worked with a range of teams and organisations around the world at the amateur and professional levels. He has published 12 books, the latest of which is The Tyranny of Talent: How it compels and limits athlete achievement… and why you should ignore it. In addition, he has published over 300 scientific articles, book chapters and commentaries. More info on his research can be found at https://www.yorku.ca/
Additional Reading
Bio-Banding – breaking it down for parents
Managing expectations whilst supporting the dream
