Have you ever watched your favorite sports team and witnessed them failing? Can you pinpoint some of the reasons as to why? Switch over to the workplace, have you been on a team that failed? I have written many times about the parallels between sports and work… I have taken the lessons I have learned in sports or work and applied them to each other.
If you were too look deeper into the failures you can see some very common signs. What should you look for?
- Team stops believing in the leader!
There are many different ways that the team losing their trust in the leader. I have witnessed a leader that does not care about the trust of his organization. What that looks like is the leader does not have his organizations back. He/she blames the organization for failures. Leaders have to look inward when failure occurs – the problem may start there. Sports team’s usually fire the coach when they want an organization change.
- Team stops believing in the organization!
There are definite signs of this when the some of the team members are moving on, either on their own or being forced out. Team’s all have their informal leaders, in the locker room or the cubicle. When those informal leaders move on, the team starts to wonder about their future. All eyes start to focus on the leadership and if their actions will be under the microscope. As a leader, you need to make sure that you are letting the team speak up and listen to your team.
- Team’s vision is lost!
Everything centers on the team’s vision. Having a strong vision helps to keep the team focused on the “why” they are there. For sports teams, everyone wants to focus on winning a championship. For an organization, it is all about helping the company do well. I have rarely been in an organization that does not have a vision, mission and objectives. It helped me with coaching my youth sports teams.
- Team stops believing in each other!
The signs here are easy to see. There is little to no teamwork, arguing, silence and just plain complaining about each other. As the leader you have to look at what you are doing to encourage (or discourage) teamwork.
- Individual Confidence is being eaten away!
We all have insecurities when it comes to work and sports. Facing those fears head on and insure that they you embrace them are key. As the leader, you have to find those insecurities and help develop methods to help the individual gain confidence from them. Helping to build a strong self – helps to build a stronger team.
Look at the successful coaches out there in the world today. The best workplace leaders rarely get the same attention as a sports coach. There is one thing in common, they look at the success and helping their teams get there. Having a strong vision, mission and objectives. Working to strengthen individual talents and remove weaknesses. Building a team that works for each other and wants success for each other. They always keep the goals in mind and strive for success.
Image via – Copyright: xygo_bg / 123RF Stock Photo
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