The term “team” is probably one of the most misused terms in the business world. Many leaders of organizations will refer to their team. They use this term as a more engaging word than referring to employees, workers, or laborers. However, they use the term flippantly. Simply working for the same organization, sharing the same business card, or wearing the same company logo on a shirt does not make a team.
A team is a group of people united by purpose.
A great example of team building is what Jerrod Baugh has done at Ruston High School. He has united not only a coaching staff and a group of players, but what appears to be a large portion of the student body and community. He has truly built a program impacting various grade levels and support groups in the school system.
The offseason programs reaching down through the junior high levels are an indication of the focus, depth, and unity of the program. The community involvement and financial support are an indication of the span, reach, and inclusiveness of the program. The student involvement in support groups, attendance at games, and participation in events are an indication of the unity within the school and scope of the entire “team”!
For-profit and not-for-profit organizations can all benefit from an authentic team concept much like Ruston High benefits from this focus. People want to connect with a purpose not just a task to complete. People want to connect with others, not just go to work. People want to connect with what it means to win in their work, not just get a paycheck.
The keys to building a team in any organization are the same as building a team at Ruston High School. While the details may play out differently depending on the organization, the basics are the same.
- Connect people to a purpose bigger than their specific role. What is the organization trying to accomplish, and more importantly, why does the organization exist?
- Connect people to success! Define the win for your team. What is success for your team? Identify it, and communicate it daily or as often as possible.
- Connect people to the organization. Open things up and communicate. Inform, include, and engage.
- Connect people to their value. Seek input, encourage investment, and reward initiative.
- Connect people to the organization’s identity. Clarify the organization’s identity so people can engage.
An authentic team is a competitive advantage for any organization, institution, or athletic team. Team members working together, bringing out the best in one another, offsetting strengths and weaknesses, encouraging one another, and challenging one another as they pursue purpose together is a competitive advantage for any group!
Thank you, Coach Baugh, for providing an example for others to follow!
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