Phase 4 consists of a day at the University of Southampton, a week's land camp in Bath and two weeks on the ice in Lillehammer, Norway. Time is going so quickly, Bath is at the weekend and Lillehammer 6 weeks. I've barely managed to get the time off work (currently sitting in negative annual leave) and it's basically happening already - exciting times. I was down in Southampton last Tuesday and that's when it really hit me. I was sharing a room with Ellie and Hannah was in with us chatting and we were all like "oh my God in two months we will be in Lillehammer; SLIDING". That's some fast progression - I only filled out the initial application form in Feburary/March time.
So naturally I am starting to seriously consider what it takes, what I need to exhibit to get through this final phase and onto the talent programme. Because let's face it, no one wants to 'go home' at this late stage - it is all very X Factor. Physically it is reasonably straight forwards. Fast, strong, powerful, robust. I think I can be all these things - problem is most of the remaining contenders have all these qualities too. When I think back through the last few phases and assessments it is clear that the 'soft' skills are of equal interest to the selectors from UK Sport, EIS and British Skeleton. We've been interviewed by a psychologist, put through team building activities which scruntinise our communication skills, had our eyes tested and undergone an IQ test. So there is obviously much more to it than being able to run fast.
Most recently we all completed an Insights Discovery psychometric test which then produced personal profile. Insights is a popular tool in business - I had already completed a profile for work. You answer 20/25 (can't quite remember) questions by choosing which statement describes you most and least and then ranking the one's in between. It's quite tricky as often you don't want to put one down as least. Anyway it all comes down to colours. There are 4 main colour energies - cool blue, fiery red, earthy green and sunshine yellow; each with associated characteristics.
What is the point in that? How does it relate to skeleton? Well I'm not sure - but it has been emphasised to us again and again that we are a team despite being in direct competition as when you're away everyone works together. So it is useful to know a person's personality. For instance, I am cool blue. This means I am no-nonsense, but don't show my private feelings. I like to be sure of facts, am observational and analytic, serious, loyal and reflective. I sound pretty boring right? Yellow is the 'fun' colour energy - social, extroverted, bubbly. Reds are the leaders and green the peacekeepers (in the broadest of terms). As all things its a continuum not a black and white scale and we all exhibit different traits that relate to all the colours. However, our dominant personalities prevail and that influences our dominant colour.
Tips for myself and for others who might work with me are provided in a large booklet that is produced based on your answers - this is what we are supposed to use to enable more effective working relationships. Here are some snippets from mine...
If you know me, do you agree? According to Insights I am very similar to one of the other girls. However, Hannah (another girl on P2P) says we are nothing alike - to be fair she's met me once/twice?! Interesting.... I certainly agree with a lot of the statements - however I think it is quite specific to work because outside of work I think I do exhibit spontaneity and am relaxed. Or maybe I recognise my limitations and these behaviours are me making an effort to be more 'yellow' - who knows!? I haven't read it properly yet but will be taking it down on my travels this weekend as reading material.
Anyway know we all know each other inside out (apparently) it's time to spend a week in Bath being a full time skeleton athlete. Will update when I can - phase 4 is on!
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