It’s one thing to have a high-performing team. It’s another to have a high-performing team that endures over time. What characterizes such a team?
That was the question asked by Sam Walker who reveals his findings in the book, The Captain Class: The Hidden Force That Creates the World’s Greatest Teams. Walker determined the answer, first, by applying a complex set of metrics to select the sports teams from around the world that had the most exceptional records of enduring success. Sixteen teams made his top tier. They represented a wide range of sports including New Zealand’s famed All Blacks rugby team, the Cuban women’s volleyball team, and the Boston Celtics of the NBA.
Next, he sought to determine if there were common elements among these top tier teams. He identified one. Every one of the 16 teams had a player, usually the captain, whose career spanned the team’s dynastic period.
And who were these captains? They weren’t necessarily the superstars or even the best players on their teams. What they were was strong and passionate peer-leaders who had the credibility and presence to counsel, challenge, protect, inspire and hold accountable their teammates. Walker noted that such captains have been referred to as “glue guys”. They devote themselves to unifying their teams.
Moreover, he found that captains of high-performing teams share seven key traits:
- They are extremely persistent
- They play aggressively to the edge of the rules
- They are willing to take on thankless jobs
- They possess a low-key and democratic communications style
- They have the ability to motivate others by role-modeling commitment
- They have the courage to stand apart, and to stand up to authority when needed
- They have the emotional control to remain calm and clear in the heat of the battle
Tough. Confident. Humble. The glue that helps high-performing teams endure.
Who’s your team captain?
Make it happen.
Michael
P.S. Would you like to receive Make Strategy Happen resources (models, tools, videos, articles and more) direct to your inbox? Subscribe to our Making Strategy Happen resources here.
