“The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.”
Up until now research into communication within a performance related environment has been limited by the equipment and technology available. This lack of technology has resulted in the majority of communication analysis being based upon a retrospective insight, which consequently has failed to systematically address the content of communication or the impact of communication on the quality of performance outcomes.
PERFORMANCE COMMUNICATION
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” Plato
Understanding the process and content of high performing and effective communication is becoming more critical to the understanding of what underlies successful teams in both sport and business. Limited time has been invested in examining the nature of actual communicative practices as they occur in real life performance settings. Defined as “the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium”, communication is always talked about as being key to performance success, yet minimal time is allocated to its analysis, and subsequently systematically developed strategies enabling improved performances have yet to be established.
“Getting the right message, to the right person, in the right way, at the right time, in a way they understand, that is good communication.”
Spensley-Corfield
Recurring performance-based events allow for strategic pre-planning and coordination. The predictable nature of these events enables leaders, teams, and individuals to develop well-conditioned communication patterns through training and prior experiences. As a result, communication becomes more efficient—structured around specific times and situations—minimizing the need for excessive exchanges while ensuring clarity and consistency in delivery. This pre-conditioned approach enhances performance by streamlining communication.
In contrast, unstructured tasks require more frequent communication, yet it must remain effective and purposeful. These tasks often demand quick decision-making, necessitating strong leadership and efficient communication. Factors such as an individual’s status, the complexity of the task, and the social dynamics within a team or business can influence the success of communication and, ultimately, performance.
High-performing teams typically display a consistent communication profile across tasks, with specific individuals using tailored communication methods during peak performance. While the exact communication profile may differ depending on the scenario, sport, business, or team, the underlying principle remains the same: effective communication is crucial for success.
As Anthony Robbins wisely said, “To effectively communicate, we must realise that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” The uniqueness of communication—shaped by individuals, teams, and situations—adds both complexity and importance to its role in achieving success. It’s clear that communication lies at the heart of high-performing teams, leaders, and businesses.
If you are interested in learning more about what we do in the performance communication space and think it might be relevant to your team in sport or business, then please get in touch.