Individuals as a Team

Throughout the sporting world we see teams defying the odds by beating another team which has more talented individuals. Giant killing events occur across every team sport every season.

They can be seen as freak results or can serve as a reminder of how the team is a combination of all players working together to increase their combined skill level. The sum of the team is greater than the sum of each individuals' skills.

The Leader of this team achieves this success by creating an environment where each member of the team has a common purpose, a sense of belonging and unity, and a belief in themselves as a team.

In our working places, this environment is just as important. The leader needs to ensure that everyone is working together as a team with a common purpose. There are no silos. There is no blame when things go wrong - only learning so that the processes are improved and the result is to the benefit of the client (internal or external).

Every team member brings to the team their own unique skills and strengths, and it is the leader who recognises this and ensures that every member of the team knows that they are appreciated and the role that they play in the success of the team. They should also know what their colleagues are bringing to the team.

To make the leader's job even more difficult, they also need to recognise where each team member is in terms of their own personal journeys. When they are on top of their game, and when they are struggling. When they should be challenged and when they should remain in their comfort zone.

By serving the team in this manner, they support the team as a whole and as individuals. They empower and collaborate and provide a workplace based on Trust and openness. And as a result there is true connection between team members and their leaders and the belonging and sense of purpose deliver incredible results.

The role of a leader is not an easy one to do well. But staring with people focused leadership and developing a team, rather than a group of talented individuals can be the best business decision that you make.