The language of teams
"Businesses make money. Teams win championships" Colonel Rob Campbell
"We lost the game because Roger missed those free throws," said no true teammate ever. The game was lost (or won) as a team. Roger should never have been placed in that position - the game resting completely on his shoulders. Does your team speak team? Team language oozes with selflessness and ownership. It sounds like people confessing how they could have done better for the greater cause, in the name of their organization, and for their teammates. It sounds like teammates challenging and assisting each other. It looks like people reacting to mistakes, and losses personally as if they let down their organization, boss (coach), and most importantly their teammates. Get this happening in your organization and you have struck gold.
Individuals find comfort knowing they were not the cause of an error or loss. It's natural and prevalent, even in ourselves, and it is ego driven. "Oh my, that was bad. I'm glad I wasn't the cause of that." It is the leader's challenge to wean that out of the individual and the team writ large. Here are my thoughts.
Speak the language yourself. Use 'team' and 'teammates' all the time. "Ok team...." "Ashley took one for the team." "Sam, the team needs this from you." "How can we as a team overcome this challenge next time?" "Morgan, tell me how the team could have assisted you better." "Charles took ownership of this failure but what is more important is how we as a team could have saved him from this failure."
Call out, demonstrate, and celebrate 'team' language and behavior. "Everyone stop! Now that was a fine example of how we as a team achieve greatness." "That success took a team and I want everyone to take note of that. Now let me describe each persons role as a teammate which led to this success." "The New England Patriots - a team, not Tom Brady, won six Super Bowl championships." "Teamwork makes the dream work!"
Indeed you'll need to establish a solid foundation of investing in people - culture, challenge, growth, a fun and inviting workplace, etc. You'll need to ask your team to accomplish something great. Call on me to help you do this. I and my 'team' will deliver!
Speak the team language and get your people speaking it. Their actions will follow - as will championships!
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell