Leadership, Group-Orientation, and Chemistry:
by BillfromBoston on Jan 5, 2007 9:38 AM EST
in Boston Celtics Articles
Email
PrintCeltics Basketball from a Psychological Perspective
As ardent sports followers, it is often easy to raise the figures we see on the basketball court as being somehow super-human, or above the idiosyncrasies of normal human behavior. We both deify our heroes of the hardwood for their triumphs and are quick to vilify them for their perceived failures. No matter how impassioned we become over the exploits of the athletes that we follow, it is crucial to take into account the human element latent in all that we see.
Though the execution of a particular play or the strategy inherent in a game plan is designed to operate with machine-like precision, the personalities behind the figures who take the field of battle plays a significant role. While psychology doesn’t yet play a prominent role in the management and construct of a team it has begun to make an impact on an individual basis and looks to grow in the years going forward.
Overall personality assessment has been used in the formation of other team-oriented occupations such as police, firefighting, and military units. The aim is always the same, put the best group of people together in order to execute the objectives of the job at hand. Every sports fan knows that this takes more than just a physical skill-set to accomplish. Chemistry is obtained through communication and effective communication takes the right mix.
While the breadth of the world of psychology is too vast to cover here, one particular facet may prove to serve as an interesting theory for studying the Celtics. Paul Pierce’s absence has helped to provide a foil for this analysis as it pertains to the effects of “Group Oriented†behavior.
“Group Oriented†behavior as classified by Dr. Heather Cattell defines an individual’s propensity to “decide on the correctness of their performance by comparing themselves to others rather than relying on their own judgment.†Put simply, it is a personality trait that describes a person who actively seeks the approval of his peer group before making decisions. As Ryan Gomes put it a few weeks ago when asked after the game about his individual performance, “We had 23 assists and only 14 turnovers, when we do that we’re going be in a good position to win.â€
Group Oriented individuals tend to view themselves as a collective entity; that is they view their actions and objectives within the context of the unit as opposed to the individual. A quick reference back through the archives of interviews with the Celtics players will show a high frequency of “we†statements even out of the context of team-oriented questioning such as thoughts on defense or team performance. These types of statements are consistent with the responses found in the research.
A recent example of this behavior was Al Jefferson’s impromptu post game response to Mike Gorman asking about the Allen Iverson trade rumors. Jefferson stipulated his fear of being included in such a deal, but he referenced this feeling by talking about how the group didn’t want to be separated and how they all vehemently desired to grow together as a team. Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Delonte West, and Gerald Green have all made similar statements about their shared ambition to stay together, mature, and succeed as a group. It’s been a common theme amongst the younger players of the team to talk about being the core of this team and their professed camaraderie both on and off the court is further evidence of this.
But, what’s really brought this notion into perspective is the recent injury to Paul Pierce and how it has affected the look of the team on the court as well as their answers off of it. Assuming that the younger players on this team all rate highly in “Group Oriented†behavior, it is not surprising that the team has struggled. The Celtics would struggle no matter what their personality traits were with the loss of such a physically dominating player, but the errors and inconsistencies in areas that don’t directly correlate with Pierce production are intriguing.
“[Players] suffer from self-imposed restrictions, such as over conformity to group norms, unwillingness to take initiative, and avoidance of open disagreement or any assertive behaviors that threaten their social standing.†â€" Cattell
Disecting the quote above, there have been many manifestations of this type of behavior in the teams play this season. How many times over the past few seasons has Doc Rivers or Paul Pierce been quoted as stating that one of the youngsters needed to be more aggressive? Rivers just recently called Ryan Gomes out before the Golden State game for not being assertive. Both he and Pierce got on Al Jefferson for not demanding the ball when in the post before Pierce finally took the initiative on the court during the New Jersey game some three weeks ago.
Over this past season it seems that “lack of assertiveness†and not ability has been the biggest issue facing this group. With the exception of Tony Allen, whose liveliness-another measure-seems to supercede his need for approval play to play, most every youngster in this group has to be prodded into action. They are too unselfish as a group more often than not and early in the season Pierce commented that each player had to “know when to get theirs†before they could easy the burden placed on him.
With Pierce out, the team went through a withdrawal period of sorts. Group Oriented individuals seek consensus on their actions before acting because they fear disapproval and alienation from the group. The one thing this group does have collective agreement on is Pierce himself and all the evidence is there to confirm that. They have been over reliant on his production in tight situations throughout the season and it has taken his personal plea for any player to step up in a situation they view as his by hierarchal right. It was Pierce’s actions that brought Jefferson to fruition almost instantaneously. He stated that Jefferson would be fed the ball, followed suit with his play on the court, and subsequently every other player began to do what Celtic Fans had been howling for all season long-feeding the post consistently.
Yet, with Pierce absent for the entirety of the road trip the team began to exhibit signs of regression. The team was blowing assignments they had not previously had as much difficulty with, sometimes triple-teaming players who were a minor threat or passing up driving lanes and holding the ball longer than necessary. Early on in the first game after Pierce’s injury and after being an absolute force for the previous six games, Jefferson showed signs of this behavior by stating “We don’t have to go to me…I wouldn’t say the offense has to go through me at all.†Jefferson showed reluctance to take the mantel of “go-to guy†even though he was by far the second most productive player and the only other who demanded a double team. He was the obvious choice to run the offense through but was hesitant to anoint himself.
This is a league filled with young players who clash with established veterans because it is a sport driven by strength of ego and conviction in ones ability. These Celtics are a selfless bunch in a sea of selfish individuals. Which is why Doc Rivers’ recent statement about Pierce contributing to the team off the court could bode well for the squad as he rehabilitates his bruised foot.
“I’m thinking of having him sit in on some of our coaches meetings to give him an idea of what we do. We’re also going to get him out on the floor during some practices - maybe have him break some film down; it could be a few things. But he’s going to be around for good now.â€
For a collection of group-oriented personalities to be suddenly without their on-court leader is a recipe for disaster. Lack of effective communication between Pierce and the other youngsters on this team has probably contributed to some of the inconsistencies that we’ve seen over the past two months, if the theory is correct. While the team’s players respect Coach Rivers and his leadership it is essential for Pierce to give his consent to the players around him before they will execute without conscience.
As arbitrary a difference as it may sound like, many personalities don’t respond to general encouragement as much as they respond to specific, strategic instruction. In the case of Al Jefferson, he didn’t begin to assert himself until Pierce empowered him with that authority in the eyes of the team. The same could be true for the other youngsters as well. If Pierce takes active part in coaching and facilitating game strategy to his young disciples, they may respond far more quickly than if the team had simply continued to encourage and instruct. Pierce has the power and influence over these players to make the group decisions that become part of the collective conscience of the team.
By assigning roles and helping Rivers to break down specific game scenarios he can ensure that he has the help he needs. He can’t guarantee effective execution, but he can increase the assertiveness necessary to succeed in situations where previously all eyes became focused on him. The thing about group oriented individuals, they may be slow to take the individual initiative before approval, but once obtained they can become greater than the sum of their parts.
23 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Very Zen. I like it.
I am reading this book about stem cells and how a human can help activate his/her own specific genes by how they live their lives, IE what they eat, how they act, their hobbies, excersize…
anyways, the book seems to suggest that alot of these genes will trigger a sort of “tag-a-long” gene. so I think alot of athletes are sort of born into, or developed into these leadership type personalities early on as part of their athletic development. whether or not they are a leader, or any specific type of player is something thatmay already be deeply entrenched in their make-up, even though it seems funny to say that.
the long and the short is, maybe these guys are not capable of certain roles, or specifically the roles they may be assigned to, and Pierce being their having that specific role is not an accident.
I dont even know what i am talking about right now i lost track. I am half typing and half watchin Friday night Lights on www.abc.com Nice article though.
Excellent piece. Well written and thought out. I’m biased, however, in that I am a psychologist. Just as an aside, I think neuropsychological aspects are more ignored in professional sports than personality, which is sad because these variables, on an individual level, will reveal more about athletes than personality. Not to down play the importance of personality in regard to understanding group cohesion, but neuropsychology really will be the future in understanding what seperates good athletes from super-stars and will likely change the face of scouting, game planning, and potentially, the hype surrounding young athletes (for better or worse). Just to be clear, Danny’s buddy “the brain doctor,” does NOT practice neuropsychology. He is ripping off a popular psychological personality test often used in buisness and mistakenly calls it “brain typing.” It’s nothing more than a personality measure used innapropriately by a lay-person and has very little to do with how the brain is hard wired and functioning. Sorry for the tangential rant.
by I am... a brain doctor on Jan 5, 2007 12:21 PM EST reply actions
I thought this was a great an insightful post. There are two things about the mentality of the young players that concerns me. The first is the hierarchy amongst Pierce and the rest of the team. The second of which is the tentative instincts of the younger players, which is directly related to the short leash Doc has on them.
Case in point, the Cleveland game. Rondo misses a a finger roll down the lane and Doc pulls him. Gerald gets his 3rd foul and we don’t see him for another 12 minutes. Let them play, make their mistakes and develop!
It’s been stated that one of Doc’s biggest strengths as a caoch is his ability to teach and work with younger players. While I understand the need to monitor mistakes, especially mental ones, you have to give these young players time to form a groove and gain confidence. This is what I feel is Doc’s biggest fault.
In the case of Pierce, the more you tag him as a mentor/coach to the younger players, the more you alienate him as a teammate. How is Jefferson or Gerald going to have the confidence to take over a game once Pierce returns and they know “big brother” is watching. As much as Pierce should help these players develop, they also need to have the confidence to play along side of him rather than for him.
Sorry for the long post….
While not for every fan it appears – I like the article.
Eric is showing his versatility. He can break down the game possession by possession in one article, look at 2 man, and 3 man ‘games with the game’ in another, and go big picture or higher concept with a look at ‘group psychology’ in this perspective. Good examples used to illustrate, too. Nicely done, Eric.
Everyone is waiting to see how they how start to fit together when “Paul comes back”. Some are already predicting a non-fit. I’m not so sure. In fact, I’m optimistic that things will work out well – but not without it’s adjusting period either though.
Again, nice piece,
T
EricW says:
“Though the execution of a particular play or the strategy inherent in a game plan is designed to operate with machine-like precision”
Master Po says:
“Hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
EricW says:
“While the teamâ€â"¢s players respect Coach Rivers and his leadership”
Master Po says:
“The undiscerning mind is like the root of a tree – it absorbs equally all that it touches – even the poison that would kill it.”
I just hope and pray Rivers is not slow poison.
I am… a brain doctor said: _
Excellent piece. Well written and thought out. I’m biased, however, in that I am a psychologist. Just as an aside, I think neuropsychological aspects are more ignored in professional sports than personality, which is sad because these variables, on an individual level, will reveal more about athletes than personality. Not to down play the importance of personality in regard to understanding group cohesion, but neuropsychology really will be the future in understanding what seperates good athletes from super-stars and will likely change the face of scouting, game planning, and potentially, the hype surrounding young athletes (for better or worse). Just to be clear, Danny’s buddy “the brain doctor,” does NOT practice neuropsychology. He is ripping off a popular psychological personality test often used in buisness and mistakenly calls it “brain typing.” It’s nothing more than a personality measure used innapropriately by a lay-person and has very little to do with how the brain is hard wired and functioning. Sorry for the tangential rant.
———————————————————————————————————
My father is a clinical psychologist who specializes in relationship study. My work with him is what got me thinking about behavioral traits and personality variables, so much so that we’ve started a small business together specializing in the study of sports team dynamics…however, he is a HUGE propoenet of the neuropsychology that you’re talking about and wants very much to incorporate that into the consulting and analysis we’re doing for teams currently. The problem as I see it is gaining acceptance for it. It’s easy to sit athletes down for 40 minutes to answer questions, not as easy to monitor brain waves…Chicago has done this a bit i’ve heard and the Brain Doctor-in all his infinate wisdom-is experiementing with it as well, though he is not a liscensed physician and never will be….FYI to Brick, Myers-Briggs is like the playschool version of personality assesment. It’s non-specific and limited in its actionable usage…
You mean, like Doc Rivers is the playschool version of an NBA coach?
It would be interesting to apply some of these individual personality assessment/group dynamics analyses to the Denver Nuggets after Carmello returns. The individual and group dynamics among George Karl, Alan Iverson and Carmello Anthony would I’m sure provide material for several doctoral theses.
I thine Master Po should have his own website.
have you ever gone to www.kenjennings.com …? the jeopardy guy? he gives you some awesome links, if you are absolute nerd like me.
I found this piece by Eric very insightful. I think that Gerald represents the vacilation between seeking the team’s approval and taking over a game. The more he asserts himself as a leader, the better he will play. The best players utilize their aggression for the good of the team. Bird is a good example. If McHale or another team-mate was on fire, Bird would make sure he got the ball. If no one else could step up, Larry would take over the offense. The great ones do that. They first look to get their team-mates involved. To do it the other way (for example, the Iverson way) creates too much resentment among team-mates. This is a lesson that Jackson taught Jordan, and which made him a champion. It is a lesson that Paul is starting to learn, even more so this season than last.
In my experience the “World of psychology” is to prescribe more medication or change the level of the same medication until the patient is incoherent. Interesting look at team dynamics, but I am unsure if I agree with the conclusion. I would like the author to explain the effects of how constantly benching or a— chewing the younger players contributes to the not be willing to be assertive in the team dynamic. It seems that in this analysis only the Alpha-dog of the group can assimilate change.
Interesting article. But, why not just say that our young guys are not natural leaders.
by kjb on Jan 5, 2007 6:08 PM EST reply actions
I certainly understand this essay and it is thoughtful, but that’s just what it is — an essay. Using myriad polysyllabic words isn’t going to amass you plaudits in the minds of your audience.
Be concise.
by FierceLikePaulPierce on Jan 5, 2007 11:18 PM EST reply actions
The younger players have been conditioned to defer to the star, Mr Pierce by the strategy of the coach. After you see every last shot of the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th quarters go to Mr Pierce, the “supporting cast” starts to believe this is the only way to conduct end of quarter plays. With Mr Pierce out the rest of the team has been forced to think and act for themselves more to the
benefit of the team. Most people respond to positive re-inforcement. I sometimes wonder if the coach is aware of that.
by Greg37 on Jan 5, 2007 11:45 PM EST reply actions
Doc stuck with Wally when he was struggling. He has yet to show the same paitience with the younger palyers who need it even more than the vets. Wally responded and so would the younger player if given the chance. Even if you rotate based on the matchups. Telfair, Green, Powe, Rondo Al and Perk were all part of a basketball elite coming up. They were high school phenoms that have had to adjust to very different roles on this team – not easy (remeber we are dealing with youngsters here). It makes perfect sense that the people best conditioned to adapt are those like DWest, Gomes, Scal and Tony who have earned it the hard way. Gomes was the go to guy at Providence but was facing double and triple teams during his last year. He had to fight through that and learn how to respond. West defered to Nelson at Temple and has always been a complemetary player he has had to learn to be a leader only to be told to sit on the bench and now to be a leader again. Amazing that he is able to maintain any kind of balance after being jerked around like that.
by gar on Jan 6, 2007 12:35 PM EST reply actions
“Group oriented individuals” are great as long as they don’t throw the ball away or fail to defend the pick-and-roll.
by DJ to Bird on Jan 6, 2007 2:25 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Behind the Box Score, where the Boston Celtics are moving on to the conference finals
- NBA Playoffs Fan Fiction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- The Indiana Pacers? Gone till November
- Shaquille O’Neal is in a Chinese beer commercial, too (VIDEO)
- ‘Deep Thoughts’ and Cheap Thoughts: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
