Cricketers field the MBTI
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made the MBTI instrument part of the coaching structure for professional cricketers, both on and off the field.
Kate Green, National Lead Personal Development, ECB, recently spoke at OPP’s MBTI Expert Network Event at Lord’s cricket ground, underlining the value of the MBTI in coaching professional players.
“The MBTI is a great tool to get people’s buy-in to the environment and culture”, says Kate. “The MBTI session is one of the first things new starters do, and remains a central part of team-working. Throughout their careers it helps players prepare, grow and deal with change.”
The role of the MBTI in cricket is the theme of OPP’s new ECB case study, based on the Expert Network presentation.
“It’s important for players to know that this is a career, and that there is more to it than just bowling a ball”, says ex-Sussex player and Sussex CCC Club Coach & ECB U19 coach Carl Hopkinson, who co-presented with Kate. “In the old days this MBTI structure wasn’t there. I’ve seen at first hand the change and the massive benefits brought by the tool.”
The instrument informs the language of ECB team and coaching interactions throughout a player’s career. It also assists when cricketers are making the transition from professional sport to whatever career path lies beyond.