UK Sport

Campbell, Reedie and Springman join ILP to discuss negotiating and influencing

Baroness Sue Campbell CBE contributed to the ILP module

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UK Sport 04 February 2010

UK Sport’s International Leadership Programme (ILP) participants met in central London last week to attend the fourth training module of the programme year.

With the group nearing completion of the one year programme, participants met to focus on the theme of negotiating and influencing. Centred on practical training sessions, the module explored the essential planning and tactics used in effective negotiation as well as analysing themes such as the use of perceived power in negotiations. Both days were supplemented by a number of guest speakers who shared their own experiences of negotiating and influencing at the highest level in sport.

Guest speakers at the module, which was held at both the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the British Olympic Association (BOA), included Baroness Sue Campbell CBE, UK Sport Chair, Sir Craig Reedie CBE, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board Member and Dr Sarah Springman OBE, President of the British Triathlon Federation and Vice President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

Ben Calveley, UK Sport’s Head of International Relations said: “Having the opportunity to discuss and practice negotiating and influencing techniques with such highly experienced operators is an invaluable opportunity for those on the programme. The efforts made by participants during the two days will pay dividends as they develop their international responsibilities. With one more module before the end of the ILP year, we are not just seeing a difference in our participants but being told by them that their understanding of what it takes to operate successfully at international level has increased immeasurably. I must also thank our guests as well as the DCMS and the BOA for their continued support for the programme”

Springman, who joined the group to share her experiences of negotiating and influencing at the very highest level said: “Having the opportunity to share experience and perspective with other individuals in international sport is an incredibly useful tool for all parties. The networks each participant creates now will present opportunities for them to set up an effective resource for both support and advice in the future. Each participant will certainly face many challenges as they progress their own careers in the international administration of sport and I hope that by sharing my own insights and experiences the group will have gained useful hints in how to formulate their own strategies and take tough decisions!”

Professor John Potter from the University of Plymouth led the practical training on both days. Potter, a chartered psychologist and hostage negotiation expert said: “Being able to influence others and negotiate a position for the benefit of yourself and your organisation are essential skills for these guys. In their International Federation positions, each participant will have to use the power of negotiation to fight for what is best for their sport. I found my two days with the group particularly interesting as they are already incredibly effective and influential individuals. I really hope they enjoyed putting the theory into practice!”

As an indication of the module’s success, 100% of participants rated the module as either good or excellent. Cherry Alexander, Head of International Relations and Competitions for UK Athletics added: “I found last week’s module incredibly useful, one of the most inspirational training sessions I have ever had. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how to plan for a negotiation and with more tools and techniques to take into my international remit. Many thanks must go to our speakers who provided us with incredibly useful tips and advice on both operating internationally and influencing those around us”

Launched in 2006, the ILP is one of several UK Sport people development programmes and is part of UK Sport’s commitment to ensure that the UK is able to contribute to the development and governance of international sport. The programme is designed to equip participants with the skills they need to become effective cross-cultural communicators able to operate successfully on the international stage and build relationships with International Federations and other key international sporting organisations.

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