Whatever team you support – and I’ve only chosen Chelsea for the purpose of illustrating the principles and value of teamwork for this blog – Chelsea’s 2:1 defeat to Newcastle United highlights came as a blow to Blues’ fan. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30257076

As Jose Mourinho, who despite it all, said. “We still top the Barclays Premier League regardless of other results this weekend, and there are 19 teams who would very much like to be in our position.”

Fair point, I say! But check out his interview about the game and the team and how he stands by them:-

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9595738/premier-league-chelsea-boss-jose-mourinho-was-grumbling-about-the-ballboys-after-defeat-at-newcastle

But now let’s turn to real the winners, Newcastle United and see how its Manager, Alan Pardew, praised and credited his team for ending Chelsea’s unbeaten run. It’s a great interview and hear how he credits individuals for their performance as part of the team:-

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/competitions/premier-league/9596031/pardew-proud-of-players

Even if you aren’t a fan of the beautiful game (I can’t imagine anyone NOT loving it!) any sport which involves a team has values from which we can all learn a thing or two.

Please share examples of your match moments which highlight how a team works together, regardless of the final result.

With this in mind, here are our 5 top tops on building a successful team:-

1. Communicate Openly

Teams that work well together share a common understanding of what they’re there to achieve.

Ensuring the team understands what they are there to do and why will encourage cooperation and reduce duplication and efforts and limit ‘empire building.’

Create forums to simulate 2-way communication – open up the upward and downward channels.

“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” (Jim Rohn)

2. Value diversity

Encourage a variety of experience and backgrounds in the team.

Allow people to challenge you and be open to hearing different perspectives.

This will lead to a diversity of viewpoints which in turn will lead to better decision-making, problem solving and innovation. All great teams are built upon a diversity of strengths and similarity of spirit.

3. Set high standards

Successful teams have high standards and set themselves stretching goals.

There’s no pride in achieving something mundane and average.

The goals must have personal meaning and resonance for each team member, building their commitment and engagement.

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” (Anthony Robbins)

4. Manage Conflict

Conflict will occur in any team! Some conflict can be positive – if it leads to problems being avoided or better ways of doing things being found.

However, some conflict adds NO value.

Dealing with it quickly, openly and transparently, and not allowing grudges to build up and destroy team morale, is very important.

5. Manage Performance

Give your people something special to aim for – give them encouragement and the resources they needs and the right motivation – demand and expect the best from them.

Successful teams are given regular and specific feedback. Everyone should know exactly how they are performing, and what they need to do if it’s not good enough.

Don’t shy away from the tough conversations, any more than you should shy away from giving credit where it’s due.

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