HOW DO WE BUILD A WORLD CLASS TEAM?

Like many people, I have been involved in team building for a long time; initially at school, learning how to get the best out of our boarding house, track relay and rugby teams, then in the marines, learning how to unite warriors behind a mission, in the corporate world as a workshop facilitator, and finally in the oil industry, striving for the secret to team success as both a project manager and performance coach.

I have been searching for the key ingredients of a high performing team and whilst I will not claim to have found the perfect recipe, I will say that by reflecting on one other (much more significant) learning experience, I feel a breakthrough coming on… I’m talking about Family!

Being a child and sibling growing up I had some appreciation of “teamwork” to get things done. As a co-parent of 3 young kids, I now have a crystal clear insight into the difference between average and amazing “family-work”: In a genetic family environment, when all family members discuss, and truly collaborate to successfully implement a plan, the sense of satisfaction is immense. When this family teamwork is performed under pressure against a threatening challenge, the bond becomes primal.

Maybe this is why elite professionals who are part of world class teams, talk about their community as family. It is effectively the highest honour that can be given to a generic team. Brothers in arms, band of brothers, #blood #family.

If we accept then that special team communities aspire to become a family, we need to explore what makes a special family. In theory if we understand this, we may have the key to unlocking world class teamwork… We’ll focus here on 5 key contributing “Steps” to becoming a Super Family.

1. Sacrifice – this speaks for itself and in one word provides a perfect anchor for family actualisation. Parents and children in any functioning family understand that there is more than just themselves to think about, this means compromise on the personal wish list and involves serving other family members to maintain overall progress.

2. Support – the stronger the mutual support in the family, the greater the chances of family security and future growth. Being there for each other and particularly parents being there for their children, is the foundation of trust, loyalty and integrity.

3. Stability – a confident family unit is built on a stable platform, an island of calm even when the surrounding seas might be somewhat rough. This requires reliable, accountable family members and a familiar home base. It enables identity.

4. Systems – spontaneity is important but there must be a fundamental set of guidelines and principles from which the family operates, this provides structure. Routines and check lists are generally followed as standard.

5. Success – this can be measured in many different ways but it is vital for morale and for momentum. Celebrating success is central to a happy family and members are motivated to achieve more based on how they see success benefiting the family unit.

World class teamwork is indeed a lofty goal. It continues to be the focus for millions of people and billions of dollars. There are thousands of books on the subject. Potentially it is naïve to try and simplify the concept but I am certain that top teams talk about being a family, and family undoubtedly benefits from the 5 S’s listed above.

Reunions and relationships forged during tough team campaigns bear out the link. From team formation to “family” status can be a very long journey but the Steps above at least provide a Start.