Gauging Perception vs. Perspective: Why Coaches Are Starting To Rethink the Post-Game Routine

For years, coaches at both the college and high school levels have followed a familiar script after games: a win prompts high-fives and fist pumps; a loss triggers finger-wagging and motivational speeches. This routine, though well-intentioned, often reflects a singular coaching perspective that may not resonate with how athletes actually experienced the game. A critical shift is needed to close the gap between perception (how athletes see their performance) and perspective (how coaches view it). This is where Mindset Performance Indicators (MPIs) with myPerforma come into play, offering a fresh, evidence-based approach to post-game evaluations.

The Problem with Traditional Post-Game Talks

The majority of post-game debriefs hinge on one simple metric: did we win or lose? If the scoreboard is in your favor, there’s celebration; if not, it's time for criticism. However, this binary approach doesn’t account for the complexities of athletic performance. Every game is a series of moments, decisions, and mental states that go far beyond what the scoreboard reflects. Yet, too often, coaches impose their personal observations—based on what they think happened—without considering how the athletes themselves experienced those moments.

Research supports the idea that this approach can be limiting. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that feedback given immediately after performance, especially in emotionally charged environments, can lead to defensive reactions rather than growth-oriented reflections. Athletes, particularly after losses, are often in an emotional state that makes them less receptive to external critiques, no matter how constructive. The end result? The fist pump or finger-wag does little to foster genuine improvement.

Shifting to Athlete-Driven Reflection

So, what’s the alternative? Imagine flipping the traditional post-game talk on its head by giving athletes a chance to assess themselves before any external feedback. This self-reflection is critical for long-term growth. A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology highlights that self-assessment allows individuals to internalize feedback more effectively and develop metacognitive skills, such as critical thinking and self-regulation.

Instead of jumping in with your perspective, allow your athletes to take the first step in analyzing their performance. MPIs provide the perfect framework for this, enabling athletes to self-evaluate on key metrics such as individual and team preparation, mental focus, character qualities, and behavior abilities. With these structured evaluations, athletes can articulate how they felt they performed before the coach adds their input.

Understanding the Gap: Perception vs. Perspective

By incorporating MPIs, coaches and athletes can bridge the gap between their different interpretations of the game. Athletes often perceive their performance through the lens of their immediate experience—how they felt, whether they executed specific skills, or how they managed pressure. Coaches, on the other hand, have the broader view of the entire game, including tactics, strategy, and teamwork.

This divide in perception and perspective is not inherently bad, but it can lead to missed opportunities for development if not addressed properly. MPIs provide both athletes and coaches with a clear, quantifiable method to measure performance and identify where perceptions might differ. For instance, an athlete might rate their mental focus highly, while a coach may feel the athlete was distracted. The MPI framework allows for a productive discussion, leading to a mutual understanding of how focus is defined and how it can be improved.

A Framework for Utilizing MPIs

Here’s how you can integrate MPIs into your post-game routine:

1. Pre-Assessment Reflection: After the game, give your athletes a moment to complete their MPIs. Let them self-evaluate before any coaching feedback is provided.
2. Coach's Perspective: While the athletes are assessing themselves, the coaching staff should fill out their own MPIs based on what they observed during the game.
3. Gap Analysis: Bring together the athlete’s perception and the coach’s perspective to identify any significant gaps in evaluation. Where does the athlete feel they succeeded, and where do you see room for growth? This collaborative analysis builds understanding rather than resentment.
4. Collaborative Feedback: Instead of leading with directives, use the MPI data to open a dialogue. Ask the athlete, “I noticed you rated your focus high, but I saw some moments where you seemed distracted. What was going through your mind in those situations?” This allows the athlete to engage in self-reflection while also understanding your perspective.
5. Actionable Improvement: Use the insights from the MPI reviews to set concrete, measurable goals for the next game. This shifts the post-game discussion from merely reflecting on past performance to proactively planning for future success.

A Case for Change

Real-world examples underscore the importance of this shift. Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, was known for his focus on mindfulness and self-reflection among his players. Jackson believed that self-awareness and understanding one's own role within the team dynamic was key to long-term success. Similarly, Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset suggests that environments where individuals are encouraged to self-assess and reflect lead to higher performance and resilience.

MPIs take these principles and put them into practice, offering a structured way for athletes to develop both the mental and emotional aspects of their game. By shifting away from the traditional post-game talk—where coaches speak and athletes listen—toward a more interactive, reflective process, coaches can better nurture not just athletic performance but the mindset needed for sustained growth.

If you’re ready to transform your post-game routine and empower your athletes to take ownership of their development, it’s time to try myPerforma and its Mindset Performance Indicators (MPIs). Sign up for a trial and start using MPIs after every game to get real, actionable insights into both athlete perception and coaching perspective.

Sign up here and take the first step toward a more effective, reflective, and impactful post-game process this season.

Perception Vs Perspective: Why Knowing The Difference Is Important In Reaching High Performance

by Eddie O'Connor

As a performance psychologist, I am constantly reminded of the powerful impact that perception vs perspective have on our ability to reach high performance.

These two terms, often used interchangeably, actually have distinct meanings and understanding the difference between them can greatly enhance our journey towards success.

In this article, we will explore what perception and perspective are, how they differ, and why knowing the difference is crucial in achieving our goals.

What is perception?

Perception is the way we interpret and make sense of the world around us.

It is our ability to see, hear, and become aware of something through our senses.

Our perceptions are shaped by our beliefs, experiences, and cultural background.

They influence how we understand and assign meaning to the events, people, and objects in our lives.

Perception is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It varies from person to person, as each individual has their own unique set of filters and biases that shape their interpretation of reality.

For example, two people can witness the same event, but their perceptions of what happened may differ based on their personal experiences and beliefs.

What is perspective?

Perspective, on the other hand, refers to the particular attitude or point of view that we adopt towards a certain situation or topic.

It is the lens through which we see the world and interpret our experiences.

Perspective is influenced by our perceptions, but it goes beyond them. It is a broader framework that encompasses our beliefs, values, and personal history.

Our perspective shapes how we make decisions, solve problems, and navigate through life.

It influences our goals, priorities, and the actions we take to achieve them.

Just like perception, perspective is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person.

What is the difference between perception vs. perspective?

While perception and perspective are closely related, they are not the same thing.

Perception is the process of interpreting sensory information, while perspective is the overall framework through which we view the world.

Perception is more immediate and sensory-based, while perspective is a broader, more abstract concept that encompasses our beliefs and values.

To illustrate the difference, let’s consider a simple example. Imagine you are looking at a glass of water that is filled halfway.

Your perception would be the sensory input you receive – the visual image of a glass with water.

However, your perspective would determine how you interpret this image. You could see the glass as half empty or half full, depending on your perspective.

What are the similarities between perspective and perception?

While perspective and perception are distinct concepts, they share some similarities:

1. Subjectivity: Perspective is like your personal lens on the world, shaped by what you’ve been through and what you believe.

Perception, on the other hand, is all about how you personally interpret and make sense of what you see, hear, and feel – it’s your brain’s unique take on things.

2. Influence on Understanding: Both perspective and perception have a say in how we get what’s going on around us.

Perspective sets the stage for how we approach and grasp the world, while perception is like our ongoing commentary, deciding how we react to everything based on sensory input.

3. Role in Interpretation: Think of perspective as the opening act, setting the mood for how we first understand something.

Perception then takes the spotlight, running the show by organizing and making sense of what our senses throw at us, shaping our ongoing reaction to it all.

4. Individual Variability: Just like everyone’s got their own flavor of music preference, both perspective and perception vary from person to person.

Perspective changes based on backgrounds and personal stories, and perception?

Well, it’s a wild ride too, with each of us seeing and feeling things in our own unique way.

5. Dynamic Nature: Perspectives aren’t set in stone; they can evolve as we experience new things or learn more.

And perception?

That’s the quick thinker, adapting on the fly to process new info and tweak how we see the world.

6. Cognitive Processes: In the brain department, perspective is like your thinking cap, influencing how you reason and judge stuff.

Meanwhile, perception relies on your noggin too, organizing the sensory overload into something that makes sense to you.

In essence, both perspective and perception are subjective, individualized processes that play crucial roles in shaping how you understand and interact with the world around you.

They are intertwined elements of cognition that contribute to the richness and complexity of human experience.

Examples of how perception and perspective work

To further understand the difference between perception vs. perspective, let’s dive into a story.

Two friends, Jake and Emily, stand out for their unique perspectives and perceptions of the world.

They’re known for seeing the world in completely different ways, and their quirks come to the forefront when they decide to explore a mystical forest that’s the talk of the town.

As they step into the forest, Jake, the thrill-seeker, is all about adventure and discovery.

He sees it as a golden opportunity to stumble upon hidden gems and mythical creatures. His vibe is all curiosity and excitement.

On the flip side, there’s Emily, the cautious one. She eyes the forest with a raised eyebrow, thinking about potential dangers lurking in the shadows. Every rustle of leaves gets the side-eye treatment as she tiptoes forward.

As they delve deeper into the forest, their differing perspectives and perceptions influence their reactions.

Jake, with his adventurous perspective, embraces the unknown with open arms. To him, the twisted vines are a work of art, and the rustling leaves compose a symphony of nature.

On the other hand, Emily’s cautious perception makes her hesitant. She is playing it safe, watching her every step, eyes peeled for trouble.

The plot thickens when they stumble upon a hidden glade, an ancient beauty tucked away in the heart of the forest.

Here, their perspectives meet in the middle as they both stand in awe of the enchanting scene.

Jake’s adventurous take appreciates the find, and Emily’s cautious side gives a nod to staying alert in unknown territory.

This little adventure paints a picture of how perspectives shape our initial reactions, and perceptions guide our ongoing understanding.

Jake’s thirst for adventure leads them into the forest, and Emily’s cautious radar keeps them on their toes.

But when they discover the hidden glade, their perspectives click, showing that both can mesh together and give us a fuller picture of the world.

To further understand how we can use these concepts to our advantage let’s imagine a talented musician named Sarah.

She has been practicing for months to prepare for a music competition. On the day of the competition, she makes a mistake during her performance and receives a lower score than expected.

Sarah’s perception of this event could be that she failed and is not good enough as a musician. This perception is influenced by her belief that success is measured solely by external validation and flawless performances. She feels disappointed and discouraged, seeing this setback as a reflection of her worth as an artist.

However, if Sarah were to shift her perspective, she could see this event as an opportunity for growth and learning.

She could perceive the mistake as a valuable lesson that will help her improve in the future.

By re-framing her perception and adopting a growth mindset, Sarah can use this experience to fuel her determination and continue striving for excellence.

Why knowing the difference between perception and perspective is important in reaching high performance

Understanding the difference between perception and perspective is crucial for reaching high performance in any domain of life. Here are a few key reasons why:

Recognizing our own perceptions and perspectives allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our thought patterns.

This self-awareness is essential for personal growth and development.

Also, by examining our perceptions and perspectives, we can identify any limiting beliefs or biases that may be holding us back.

We can then challenge and re-frame these beliefs to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

Having a broad perspective enables us to see multiple sides of a situation and make more informed decisions.

It helps us consider different viewpoints and weigh the pros and cons before taking action.

When we encounter setbacks or failures, our perspective plays a crucial role in how we respond to these challenges.

By adopting a growth mindset and re-framing our perceptions, we can bounce back stronger and more resilient.

Understanding that others may have different perceptions and perspectives helps us cultivate empathy and build better relationships.

It allows us to see different viewpoints and communicate more effectively with others.

Two Intertwined Concepts

Perception vs perspective are two intertwined concepts that shape our understanding of the world and our actions within it.

By recognizing the difference between perception vs. perspective, we can harness their power to reach high performance and achieve our goals.

So, I invite you to reflect on your own perceptions and perspectives, and explore how they can be adjusted to unlock your full potential.

If you’re interested in exploring more resources and success stories related to high performance and personal growth, I invite you to join the Success Stories Community.

It’s a world of knowledge, growth, and success where like-minded individuals come together to support and inspire each other on their journey towards excellence.

Remember, perception and perspective are not fixed entities.

They can be shaped and refined through self-reflection, learning, and open-mindedness.

Embrace the power of perception and perspective, and watch as they propel you towards the heights of success!

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