How Do Shared Symbols Improve Team Identity and Success? – Part 2
Part 2
As we shared in our last post, symbols are powerful representations of a team’s identity and shared values, bringing players and fans together and fostering unity and cooperation.
So, what’s the psychological perspective on the power of using symbols in team sports?
Identity and Unity
A strong team ethos and a shared sense of identity are crucial for enhanced performance. This shared identity fosters a sense of “us” rather than “I,” encouraging cooperative behavior and dedication to the team’s success. It also creates a psychological connection and sense of belonging, making the team’s shared identity a stable part of each member’s personal identity. When players feel connected to their fellow players and club, they become more engaged, productive and committed to reaching their shared goal.
A visual representation of a team’s identity, like a symbol, can facilitate the creation of this unifying bond. It provides something tangible that players can hold, pass around, and visualize. The symbol itself becomes a source of pride, strengthening camaraderie and boosting morale.
Leadership plays a significant role in building a team’s shared identity. Research shows a positive relationship between leadership that fosters a shared team identity and task cohesion (i.e., a group’s commitment to a common goal). We’ll discuss this in more detail in the 3rd part of this article.
Narrative and Meaning
Symbols are linked to stories with deep emotional resonance. For instance, For instance, the tale of the Spartan Warriors’ unyielding spirit evokes strong feelings of excitement, determination, and conviction.
These narratives are meaningful, which has a powerful effect on a subconscious level, beyond the rational or conscious mind. The language of the subconscious mind is metaphorical, symbolic, and image-based (think dreams). A symbol representing a team’s conviction to win can powerfully tap into the subconscious.
It will communicate “We are a strong, united force and we can win” on an emotional level (rather than purely rational). Emotions are the most powerful way to get you going – they’re energy in motion! Additionally, the subconscious mind can’t distinguish between reality and vivid imagination, so visualizing success through a symbol can trick the subconscious into believing it has already happened.
Therefore, an effective symbol induces this emotional buzz that helps players get into “the zone” and perform at their best.
Confidence and Mindset
As well as creating unity, an effective symbol boosts a team’s confidence and mental focus by fostering the belief that they can elevate their performance and win. Therefore, it’s a powerful psychological asset that can be used as mental preparation for the game by visualizing it and using it in particular rituals. For example, the Buffalo Sabres, a professional ice hockey team, have a practice of passing their sabre around before the match. It puts them into a focused, positive and determined mindset, motivating them to work together and win the game.
Emotional Anchoring
An emotional anchor is a specific stimulus (e.g., an object, thought, action, concept) that triggers an emotional response. When it’s perceived, it causes the subconscious mind to re-experience a particular emotional state. For example, when you hear your favorite club’s anthem, it instantly causes you to experience an elevated emotional state – excitement, pride, joy, and maybe tension.
This understanding can be used to a team’s advantage when they use a symbol that embodies their spirit, strength, and drive. They can draw on this powerful emotive energy by seeing or holding it before and after the game or visualizing it during the game.
Research has also shown that emotions are contagious (“emotional contagion”). This is useful to know because steadfast and excited team members can “infect” their fellow players with positive emotions, which has been shown to increase cooperation and performance. One way to spread these good vibes is to use a symbol that’s “anchored” into a positive emotional state.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Symbols often hold historical and cultural significance, linking the present team to its past and creating a sense of tradition and continuity. This deeper connection to the team’s history can be inspirational for players and fans alike. For example, the cannon on Arsenal’s badge serves as a reminder of the team’s past and an inspiration to uphold that legacy.
Fan Engagement and Loyalty
Fans play a pivotal role in team sports – they stand by their team’s side in victory and defeat, providing encouragement, energy, and comfort. A shared symbol creates a powerful collective identity among fans, players and the entire club, which increases loyalty and motivates players to play at their highest level (and hopefully win) for the fans.
Psychological Impact on Opponent
Research indicates that the presence of a group’s symbol can make groups seem more unified, threatening and effective. Thus, team members can use the symbol to convey this message to the other team who may become intimidated and less cohesive as a result. This also bolsters the team’s own confidence and increases their chances of success.
Now that we’ve covered some of the psychology of symbols, what does it mean for the leadership of the team? How can they best harness this powerful asset to increase their team’s chances of success? We’ll explore this in the third part of this article – stay tuned!