Andrew Gazdecki
To be a strong leader, one must build an attractive mentality for their team to strive for success. Achieving this feat is not easy, but the reward is worth the efforts. Reaching this level begins with the leader and has a ripple effect on the common goal that all parties involved have a part in creating.
Much like drafting a team in sports and performing arts, it takes structure to build a winning team with a winning mentality. Here are seven keys a leader should focus on while shaping their team:
- Enlist for Potential
A high functioning, high performing team begins and ends with bringing in persons with high potential. What really matters is someone’s potential, not necessarily the best skillset. Recruit those who have the right mindset coupled with a drive to learn and grow. The desire for something more is what will steer your team in the right direction. It’s easy to teach the skills and provide the tools to those who want to prosper.
- Educate and Grow Together
Sports, performing arts, and other team oriented organizations are great examples of creating a high performing team with the desire to win. Being part of team means everyone must do their part from training to development and beyond. Each of these tasks require that people are engaged and prepared, often repeating the same process over and over again in order to achieve a common goal.
- Lead by Example
The teams with the best performance are purposefully led. A leader helps to set a standard while holding everyone accountable to reach said goal(s). This person also defines the strategy, tactics, and direction determined to achieve the team goals with the system in place.
- Coach ‘Em Up
This is a mix of the mindset, skill set and inspiration all coming together. An ideal coach helps to grow any individual on their team, respectively, to put in their best performance. Coaching your team members will help all performers involved breakthrough their own perceived barriers.
- Make the Big Play(s)
Know the limits set by the team – then break them. Teams performing at a high level will continually make bigger and bigger plays, always striving for more as they grow. Go ahead, fight above your weight class to make a name for yourself. A well-trained, well-led team will surprise everyone with their abilities, including themselves.
- Instill a Winning Mentality
When a team is performing at its best they believe anything is achievable; they believe they can win. Go beyond just thinking the team is best; prove it, over and over again. Instill within all members that they should not believe in winning, let them know they will win. This isn’t to say you should go out and discount your competitors – they deserve respect – simply strive for the best and don’t look back.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
You know the old saying, “Two heads are better than one.” Well, how about three heads, or four heads, or five heads, or six – you get the point. Allow for the team to work for each other, the drive for success needs to be a common mentality. When things get tough the team supports each other and pushes through. Build together. Build stronger. Build better.
Some people enjoy the mindset of a team being only as strong as it’s weakest member. Personally, I enjoy the idea of a team being as strong as it’s leader because they are the ones usually making the first impression.
Being a leader will bring about challenges that will crave the teamwork mentality. Use the references above as to build the team that will push you through those times, allowing you all to come out on the other side better for it.
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