Improving identity leadership through a novel targeted reflective practice intervention

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel identity leadership-framed reflective practice intervention for developing sport coach leadership skills. We adopted an eight-week randomized control intervention design, including five experimental group coaches and their associated athletes (n = 47) and four control group coaches and their athletes (n = 32). Athletes’ perceptions of their coach engaging in identity leadership behaviors were measured at Weeks 0 and 8 for both groups. The experimental group coaches completed three specifically designed social identity-framed reflective practice tasks in Weeks 1, 3, and 5. Results showed that when controlling for baseline scores and compared to the control condition, the experimental condition reported significantly greater advancement, entrepreneurship, and impresarioship, but not prototypicality at post-intervention. The results provide support for the use of tailored reflective practice interventions to elicit desirable identity leadership behaviors as perceived by athletes.  Lay summary: Leadership is a key aspect of team sport performance. Reflective practice is a core component of coach development. The present study shows the potential to develop leadership through social identity-framed reflective practice activities. Implications for practice Investigation of new ways for developing leadership In-direct development of Identity Leadership Multi-faceted and innovative approach to reflective practice