Most coaches will agree that the way to get the most out of a male swimmer differs from that of a female swimmer. While there are certainly exceptions to gender based motivation, there are cultural and biological differences in boys and girls that do impact the efficacy of strategic motivational interventions. Boys tend to place a higher value on winning, gain more self-confidence by outscoring their opponent, see competition and group play as more hierarchical, and therefore tend to become more sensitive to status. Girls, on the other hand, seem to focus their competitive instinct on growth and personal challenge. For them to reach their true potential, it is important that they feel a sense of support and togetherness from friends, family, coaches, and teammates, with less of an emphasis on performance outcomes. Girls don’t need anybody to tell them what’s at stake. They know. Reminding boys of what’s to come tends to serve as a challenge for them.

The following strategies may help coaches, parents, teammates, and individuals support boys and girls sense of autonomy, and degree of intrinsic motivation:

  1. Girls and women value attachment and intimacy. “We are all in this together” approaches tend to unite women, and encourage them to want to perform for each other.
  2. Men and boys value autonomy, latitude, and winning. Help them prepare by supporting them to embrace the hierarchical challenge, and letting them know you believe in them.
  3. Women socialize at every opportunity. Allow them that time together. It will support them to train, and race, with more passion and a sense of fun.
  4. Men want the opportunity to prove themselves. Give them lots of opportunity to do so.
  5. Be wary of encouraging competition between women. While appropriate in some situations, an environment that focuses exclusively on inter-team competition can backfire.
  6. Encourage girls to embrace the boy strength (sense of purpose, self-reliance, courage and daring, protecting those you care about, and male heroism) and boys to embrace girls strength (companionship, togetherness, competition as fun/play, sharing the spotlight, and focusing on process).

Meet them where they are, and gently move them forward.

 

Please let me know how it goes!