What do the best sport and business teams have that the others don’t?

What makes them winners?

1. Club Leadership A big killer within any team or organization (other than no talent and no direction) is an "us v them" mentality. Club leaders (coaches and committee) through their actions must demonstrate a genuine interest and care for the team members and the team members must be able to trust the club leadership to do what they say they will do. 
2. The right people – strong character is a must for most people chosen to any team be it sport or business. All members must be honest, upfront, loyal and trustworthy. Talent is a given as they should not have been picked if they don’t have any.
3. Common Goals – Goes without saying that all team members must be on the same outcomes and objectives page. Individual goals and internal group specific goals are great within the overall group commitment to agreed success 
4. Team Leadership – When it gets tough and not going to plan who is going to lift the team. It is not the Coach or Managers job. Leadership from within the team is essential. The ultimate model but not easily obtained is to have a leaderfull team (Refer Ric Charlesworth – The Coach) where all team members supply their own brand of leadership and no one is bludging on anyone else.
5. Minimal rules - Cut back on the rules. Work around values and expectations. The less rules implemented the less rules to break. Define your team values and identify the behaviours that are not acceptable to the team, so that everyone understands what is expected of them.
6. Communication – Defined lines of open and honest communication to all team members including coaching and support staff, club or organization leaders need to be understood and established early. 
7. Self starters - No one can motivate anyone else. Motivation comes from within. If team members do not have the drive to be the best they possibly can be – question their place in the organization and get rid of them.
8. Risk Takers – “People who take risk are the people you will lose against – John Sculley”.  If you don’t take risks you most likely won’t win. Game plans yes, strategies yes INITIATIVE yes yes yes! Don’t obstruct people’s talent with rules and controls.  Play to win not to survive.
9. Acceptance of diversity - we are not all the same and we don’t want to be. Diversity makes up the character of any team. Everyone is different and has different motivations. Accept and respect.
10. Courage to Refresh – every team runs its race. Nothing lasts forever. New ideas, new people keep us fresh and help raise the bar to greater heights. Best teams are in a continuous cycle of renewal. Stand still and you will get run over.

 How does your team rate?