IQ Tests a must - how do we rate.

[Nico]

The Jacobs/Piccone shambles of the past 48 hours only strengthens my theory that all AFL draftees should under go a rigourous IQ test and background check before being considered.
Some of them just don't get it that their careers are on line on and off the field, day in day out.

Here are 2 players on big bucks who have effectively blown away their careers as footballers by showing their true characters.

What about the Swans. Apart from from old issue that was recently raised, we seem to be travelling OK in the Scandal Stakes right now.

How many of our team would rate highly on an IQ test, and if one was brought in who would have passed an acceptable benchmark?

[ScottH]

If U gave IQ tests to all AFL players, there probably would be enough for, mmmm say a two team Comp. LOL

Seriously for every "dumb" player I'm sure there are 3 smart ones. Not all players get into trouble OTF. Or rather they don't get caught.

As for the IQ of our team. I would not like to hazard a guess. but they do seem reasonably smart. Although I don't know if I'd use BBB as a "phone a friend" on the Eddie Show.


Disclaimer
No Offence intended - BBB

[Damien]

Totally agree with your sentiments, but I hate IQ tests, the 'smartest' staff I have had reporting me, have often been the worst, I havejust been sent on a 2 week management love in for work, and one component fascinated me, and it's nothing new, but it's called "Emotional Itelligence" or "EQ".

The main factors:
*************************************8
Self-awareness:
Observing yourself and recognizing a feeling as it happens.

Managing emotions:
Handling feelings so that they are appropriate; realizing what is behind a feeling; finding ways to handle fears and anxieties, anger, and sadness.

Motivating oneself:
Channeling emotions in the service of a goal; emotional self control; delaying gratification and stifling impulses.

Empathy:
Sensitivity to others' feelings and concerns and taking their perspective; appreciating the differences in how people feel about things.

Handling relationships:
Managing emotions in others; social competence and social skills.
*************************************
I really think the players need to be strong in all these areas before being thrusted into the spotlight.

[SWANSBEST]

BBB might well be a surprise packet but then I do not really know. One thing that I do know is that Andrew Schauble is very impressive . Last Saturday he was a guest on ABC radio prior to the Richmond game and was articulate , good humoured and very thoughtful. The panel were taken with Schauble and suggested that he would do well in the media upon retirement. IMO Schauble is a good role model for any young Swans player.

[Nico]

Damien, I sympathise with you . I have been on many of these thinkfests, only to have them all blown away when everyone gets pissed in the first night they arrive, and don't remember a thing about the first day because of the giant hangovers.

I always come back to one thing you mentioned, Empathy.

Paul Roos has this in spades, partly because of the person he is and partly because of his experiences.

The others such as getting to know yourself I reckon were always fillers for conferences, because there is one thing about the nature of human beings. " Leopards never change their spots, they just sometimes fade a bit".

Hence knowing as much about someone at 18 y.o is petty important.

Enjoy the first night.

[Nico]

That should have read - pretty important.

[Damien]

Originally posted by Nico
Damien, I sympathise with you . I have been on many of these thinkfests, only to have them all blown away when everyone gets pissed in the first night they arrive, and don't remember a thing about the first day because of the giant hangovers.

Alcohol ban this time!!!!!!!!!! and we are sent home daily

We are currently the longest running takeover saga in Australia at the moment, so I don't think they want to spend any money lol, but enough about that!

I think if every AFL player had a good degree of empathy, you wouldn't find the type of headlines our game have been experiencing over the past 6mths.

They really need to understand that their actions can affect a lot more people than just them.

[dimelb]

We are dealing here with the age-old problem of trying to put old heads on young shoulders. Some young shoulders already have mature heads - where did Ian Thorpe get his sanity from? And although I don't know the Swans players as individuals, I imagine there must be some mature, stable personalities around. Perhaps it would be a good thing to have some properly trained counsellor/psychotherapist person available, who can gain the players' confidence and be a resource when difficult situations crop up, or who could be proactive and occasionally present stuff to the players about the pitfalls of leading such a public life (worse in Melbourne and Adelaide I imagine).
I don't have much time for IQ tests, very limited use imo. Personality tests not much better. No substitute for personal contact and support.
Most important rule: choose your parents carefully...