Kate Richardson-Walsh, is the most capped female hockey player in her country’s history, and was captain of the GB and England women’s hockey teams for 13 years. An inspirational and charismatic leader she has been widely credited for helping build the incredible team ethos and commitment that drove the GB team to a nail-biting victory at the Rio Olympic Games. In winning gold Kate also made history in other ways, becoming one half of the first same-sex married couple to win an Olympic medal playing in the same team. Having made her international debut as a defender in 1999, Kate maintained elite performance levels for 18 years and made 375 appearances for her country. After securing a bronze in London 2012, Rio 2016 was her fourth Games and finally yielded the coveted Olympic Gold medal. Alongside her GB duties Kate has captained England for 13 years, winning the European Championships in 2015 and securing two bronze and two silvers in four successive Commonwealth Games. Short-listed for the FIH World Player of the Year Award, Kate has also been GB Hockey’s Athlete of the Year, has twice won the prestigious Hockey Writers’ Player of the Year, and in 2017 was awarded an OBE for services to hockey. Kate was also nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award in December 2016. Kate was given the honour of carrying the Great Britain flag in the closing ceremony of her final Olympic Games in Rio 2016.

TOP TIPS

1. Connection starts with us

To truly connect and build strong relationships with other people we first must connect with ourselves. We are all so busy and lots of us put ourselves last on the to do list. Can we tune into our mental, physical and emotional state on a regular basis to enable us to “do” more good days than bad? Do we know what good looks like and what we need to do to prepare for a good day? What things do we need to be aware of and take control of if we are able? This is a daily practice and will help you feel a greater sense of control and a deeper level of self-empathy.

2. Step into your power

Are you able to say with absolute confidence what you are excellent at? Would you be able to share it with your team, family or friends? Do you know the strengths of the people around you? This was one of our winning differences. The knowledge of my super strengths enables me to dive into my role with clarity and confidence. I feel more valued and worthy when I know that I am playing to my strengths to help the team achieve its goals. Being able to create opportunities and platforms for you to deliver to your super strengths is what teamwork is all about. Shine your light brightly for all to see.

3. Putting marbles in the trust jar

Trust is hard earned and easily broken. Trust is at the heart of every strong relationship and high performing team. To build it we must be prepared to be brave and be vulnerable. Showing up authentically allows people to connect fully. Giving people space to show up fully as themselves without fear of judgement or retribution builds empathy and again contributes to trust. This is daily intentional work. Building trust can feel uncomfortable and clunky at times but the rewards will far outweigh the small moments of discomfort. Teams and relationships built on trust are resilient and agile. It will be more fun and there will be more wins.

Written by Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE

Please note, the views expressed by the original article author are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Washingtondowling Associates Ltd or The SHE Show and therefore we take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of this post.