E52 - Steve Sallis: The importance of education in mindset

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Summary

**I. Introduction**
- Steve Sallis is a former academy footballer, vice-principal teacher, and author of the book "Educating Football," which challenges thinking on teaching, learning, leadership, and elite sport.
- He currently works with the England Under 15 National Squad and supports Premier League and Football League Players with mental conditioning support.

**II. Steve Sallis' Educational Journey and Experiences**
- Sallis faced challenges in his educational journey, including failing all his GCSEs and experiencing family separation.
- He was labeled as "thick" and "stupid" by teachers, which negatively impacted his self-esteem.
- Despite the challenges, Sallis found a love for learning when he started university at the age of 19.
- He criticizes the traditional education system for being prehistoric and exam-focused, leading to a lack of love for learning among students.

**III. The Importance of Love and Empathy in Education and Coaching**
- Sallis emphasizes the significance of injecting love and empathy back into the education and coaching process.
- He believes that traditional coaching methods often lack the soft skills of care, attention, kindness, and love, which are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment.
- Sallis draws a distinction between education and coaching, highlighting that assessment methodology and feedback are key elements in effective teaching and coaching.

**IV. Common Ground Between Effective Educators and Coaches**
- Sallis identifies assessment methodology, feedback techniques, and self-awareness as common ground between effective educators and coaches.
- He emphasizes the importance of self-assessment, peer assessment, and summative assessment in measuring learning and providing feedback.
- Sallis also stresses the significance of self-awareness in both educators and coaches, enabling them to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and continuously improve.

**V. The Role of Soft Skills and Leadership in Football**
- Sallis discusses the importance of soft skills, such as leadership, strategy, and communication, in football management.
- He praises managers like Jürgen Klopp for their ability to create a positive culture, show vulnerability, and genuinely care for their players and staff.
- Sallis believes that the game of football is changing, with managers increasingly recognizing the value of soft skills and adopting a more empathetic and inclusive leadership style.

**VI. Challenges Faced by Maverick Teachers and Coaches**
- Sallis acknowledges that maverick teachers and coaches who bring new ideas and approaches often face resistance and suspicion from their peers.
- He suggests that this may be particularly true in the men's football industry, where there is a lack of experience working with women, who are generally more receptive to soft skills and emotional intelligence.

**VII. Sallis' Approach to Helping Teams Develop Self-Awareness**
- Sallis explains that when working with teams, he focuses on helping them develop self-awareness through various activities and exercises.
- He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where players feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
- Sallis also utilizes video analysis and feedback to help players identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for personal growth.

**VIII. The Importance of Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership**
- Sallis stresses the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, particularly in the context of football management.
- He believes that leaders who are willing to show vulnerability and be themselves create a more genuine connection with their players and staff, fostering trust and respect.
- Sallis emphasizes that vulnerability is not about weakness but rather about strength and courage, as it allows leaders to be more open and receptive to feedback and new ideas.

**IX. Conclusion**
- Sallis reiterates the importance of love, empathy, and soft skills in education, coaching, and leadership.
- He encourages listeners to challenge the status quo and embrace new approaches that prioritize the well-being and development of individuals.

**Summary of the Podcast Episode**

The podcast episode features Steve Sallis, a former academy footballer, vice-principal teacher, and author of the successful book, "Educating Football." Sallis, who currently works with the England Under 15 National Squad and supports Premier League and Football League Players with mental conditioning support, shares his unique insights on improving the teaching, learning, leadership, and elite sport sectors.

**Key Points:**

1. **Common Sense Approach:** Sallis emphasizes the need for a common-sense approach in revolutionizing the teaching and learning process. He believes that by focusing on self-awareness, strategy, and alignment between staff, significant improvements can be made.

2. **Metacognition:** Sallis introduces the concept of metacognition, which involves reflecting on one's own thinking, knowing, and doing. He highlights the importance of understanding the limitations of one's knowledge and the potential consequences of acting on inaccurate information.

3. **Normalizing Failure:** Sallis advocates for normalizing failure as a crucial aspect of learning and growth. He encourages parents to allow their children to experience failure as a natural part of the learning process, rather than shielding them from it.

4. **Empathy and Vulnerability:** Sallis emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability in fostering a positive learning environment. He suggests that children be taught to understand the impact of their words and actions on others and to develop a sense of responsibility towards their peers.

5. **Strategic Conversations:** Sallis stresses the need for strategic conversations about the learning journey, focusing on how individuals can progress from one level to another and consolidate their knowledge and skills.

6. **Soft Skills and Influence:** Sallis highlights the significance of soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and communication skills, in influencing and motivating individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of others and differentiating teaching and coaching approaches accordingly.

7. **Learning to Learn:** Sallis introduces the concept of "learning to learn," which involves understanding how we learn and breaking down the learning cycle into detail. He emphasizes the importance of equipping individuals with the tools to learn effectively and efficiently.

8. **Empowering Staff:** Sallis advocates for empowering staff members by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to develop players and improve their performance. He believes that this approach leads to sustainable and long-term improvements.

9. **Rejection and Resilience:** Sallis discusses the challenges of facing criticism and rejection when introducing new ideas. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and being open to feedback, while maintaining resilience and perseverance in pursuing positive change.

10. **Rethinking Education:** Sallis critiques the traditional education system, arguing that it often fails to foster happiness and fulfillment in individuals. He calls for a broader definition of education that encompasses character development, leadership skills, and a focus on personal growth.

**Overall Message:**

Steve Sallis promotes a holistic approach to teaching, learning, and leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and strategic thinking. He challenges conventional approaches to education and encourages individuals to embrace failure, vulnerability, and lifelong learning as essential elements for personal and professional growth.

In this episode of the High Performance podcast, Steve Sallis, a former professional footballer, vice-school principal, and author of the book "Educating Football," engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Damien and James about the importance of mindset, resilience, and emotional intelligence in the development of young people.

Sallis emphasizes the need for educators and mentors to help young people develop a growth mindset, embracing challenges and learning from setbacks. He highlights the importance of fostering a positive and nurturing environment, where young people feel supported and empowered to take risks and try new things.

Sallis also emphasizes the significance of teaching young people how to think critically and metacognitively, encouraging them to reflect on their own thinking processes and develop strategies for continuous improvement. He believes that by teaching young people to be resilient and adaptable, they can overcome challenges and setbacks, and ultimately achieve their full potential.

The conversation delves into various topics related to youth development, including the impact of poverty and disadvantage, the role of parents and guardians, and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop their passions and interests. Sallis emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to education, one that focuses not only on academic achievement but also on developing young people's social, emotional, and physical well-being.

Sallis's insights are particularly relevant in today's world, where young people face numerous challenges, including the pressure to succeed, the rise of social media, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. His message of hope and resilience is a powerful reminder that with the right support and guidance, young people can overcome adversity and thrive.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the importance of mindset, resilience, and emotional intelligence in the development of young people. Sallis's passion for education and his commitment to helping young people reach their full potential shine through in this engaging and thought-provoking conversation.