In January 2020, our quest to better understand the impact of physical challenge on people’s mindset and performance led us to Professor David Fletcher at Loughborough University. David is a Professor of Human Performance and Health based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. TLH were excited to learn that the science of psychology had begun to investigate how and why physical challenges can have such a profound effect on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It was also encouraging to learn that researchers have published studies in international peer-reviewed journals that support the idea that outdoor recreational physical challenges can positively impact people’s mentality, belief, and confidence.
As we spoke further, it became clear that this evidence is spread across geographical locations, decades of time, and research publications. Properly getting to grips with this body of work was going to be no small task! We sought the advice of David’s colleagues, Drs Claire Stevinson and Nicola Paine, and we agreed a more methodical and longer-term plan of action was needed.
In October 2020, we combined forces and recruited a doctoral researcher, Will Tyne, to complete a 3-year PhD research project investigating the impact of physical challenge on people’s mindset and performance. Will began his research by wading through all the published research that might help to explain what was going on. Months later, Will remerged with his findings – 44 journal articles covering 47 separate scientific studies that collectively concluded that physical challenge CAN have positive short- and long-term effects on people’s mindset (e.g., self-belief), relationships (e.g., communication skills), and thought processes (e.g., problem solving ability). Although these psychological qualities undoubtedly have the potential to transfer to different areas of life, it was still unknown as to whether they positively influence workplace performance.
With these initial findings in mind, the research team designed four studies with the aim of advancing previous research and better understanding the links between physical challenge, people’s mindset, and organisational settings. Using some of the latest scientific approaches, including randomized controlled trials and mixed methods, they studied the effects of different physical challenges in nature (for example, a high ropes course, skiing) and the laboratory (for example, a cold tolerance task) on aspects of people’s mindset and workplace performance.
Fast-forward to 2024 and here at last was credible scientific evidence that supports, explains, and expands on our own experiences and, importantly, which now informs The Leadership High’s work in a variety of ways:
- Emphasizing that the benefits of physical challenges are not only psychological in nature but also social and relational;
- Emphasizing the importance of engagement and emotions associated with physical challenge to enhance self-confidence;
- Better understanding the importance of sense of achievement, wellbeing, team cohesion, and active learning in bringing about positive results;
- Emphasizing the important role of natural environments and individuals taking a break from their daily work routine;
- Better understanding how the human body reacts to physical challenge and how this effects their thoughts about and feelings in response to such challenges.
The research team have presented the findings of the PhD project at international academic conferences to seek feedback from global thought leaders in the area, advance what is known about the psychological and performance effects of physical challenge, and hopefully to leave a legacy and create an impact on this important area of scientific research and professional practice.
The Leadership High is proud to partner with Loughborough University, to not only amplify the impact on our clients’ lives, but also to have global intellectual impact through our unique collaboration and contributions.
Thank you to Professor David Fletcher, Dr Will Tyne, Dr Nicola Paine and Dr Claire Stevinson and the team at Loughborough University.
Author: The Leadership High
The Leadership High work with leaders and teams to build trust by making confidence a habit.
