LAST month’s edition was an appropriate chance for me to talk about what had been a fantastic end to the domestic season for Northampton Saints, winning two trophies.
A month on and there’s been time to reflect and think about how we gave ourselves the opportunity to do so. One of the main factors, in my opinion, was our ability to work as a team towards our common goal. But it takes time to develop teamwork.
To develop good teamwork, I think it’s crucial that the members of the team firstly understand and buy into the vision.
LAST month’s edition was an appropriate chance for me to talk about what had been a fantastic end to the domestic season for Northampton Saints, winning two trophies.
A month on and there’s been time to reflect and think about how we gave ourselves the opportunity to do so. One of the main factors, in my opinion, was our ability to work as a team towards our common goal. But it takes time to develop teamwork.
To develop good teamwork, I think it’s crucial that the members of the team firstly understand and buy into the vision. Whether that be a particular style of play in rugby, or how a certain brand wants to portray itself, to achieve optimal teamwork levels, there cannot be any passengers. Every member must work maximally, executing their jobs to the best of their ability.
Creating a vision is one thing but I don’t believe you can just create a vision and it will happen instantly.
The leaders of the group must assess the strengths and weaknesses at their disposal, and utilise them accordingly.
In rugby, the best teams try to play in a way that is dictated by the personnel they have. Some teams are physically bigger, and their style often reflects this. They may play in a direct, physical manner, not overly concerned with intricate patterns of play or moves, but with doing the basics very well and physically dominating territory and possession.
In the business world, Richard Branson and his Virgin Group seem to go about their business in a way that reflects his personality. Forward thinking, curious about how to make things better, wanting to do things that have never been done before, willing to take risks in order to achieve something etc.
Good teamwork takes time to build. Acknowledging a good piece of work, or helping people through times of difficulty by formulating a plan, learning from mistakes, having the trust in your colleagues that they are committed to the same cause are just some of the things that will help to build good teamwork.
It may never be perfect. That’s important to understand. We are human beings, after all. But it is the will and persistence to improve, to not let a success go to your head, and similarly not to let a failure demotivate or deter you, that are paramount in ensuring that the level and efficiency of the teamwork continues to improve.
Alan Price of Maximum Profit Growth comments: “It was quite obvious from last season’s performances that Saints had all these points covered.
“The whole squad was clearly well-drilled and motivated, such that when players were unavailable, for example, because of international duty or injury, their replacements understood exactly how they fitted in, and what their roles and responsibilities were.
“It is equally important in business that staff see each other as part of a team, working together towards a common goal, with common rewards.
“Each should understand how the others fit into the jigsaw, and wherever possible, how to cover for fellow team members who are unavailable through illness or holiday.
“The benefits to both the business and the individuals working in it will be plain to see.”
