3 tips for building a team based on talent, tenacity and teamwork

There are many models for building a team. One approach that is used in sports, for example, is to base it on talent, tenacity and teamwork. Whilst this model has both strengths and limitations, it can be translated to other areas of work. Let’s explore how to make this happen.

* You can focus on talent.

Imagine you are leading a team. Looking at the challenges ahead, you believe it is important to improve the team’s performance. The question is: “How?” Begin by assessing the team in terms of ‘talent’. Different team members will obviously have different levels of ability. Looking at the overall picture, however, how would you rate the talent level in the team? Do this on a scale 0 – 10. One key point. You will obviously bear in mind the level at which you want people to operate successfully. Here is one such example.

“I gave our team 5/10,” said the manager of a promoted football team. “Last year we were in a lower division where, in relation to our competitors, we rated 8/10 in terms of talent. But winning promotion meant we had to improve the talent level to compete at a higher level. Fortunately we had the budget to bring in three good players. The season will still be difficult, however, if we suffer injuries to key people.”

Looking at the field in which your team are expected to perform, rate it in terms of talent. Then describe the specific things you can do to improve the rating. Sometimes this means working hard to find the right people and also taking tough decisions. Try completing the following sentences.

The rating I give the team in terms of talent is: _____ / 10

The specific things I/we can do to improve the rating are:

*

*

*

* You can focus on tenacity.

Talent is the starting point - but people also need tenacity to succeed. Talented people can find things easy during the early part of their careers. They are always the first to be picked – for the sports team, theatre production, business team or whatever. Gifted people do not have to work as hard as others in order to shine, but this can become a disadvantage. Climbing the ladder, they meet people who as talented as themselves. They must then adopt a work ethic – otherwise they will fail to develop and fall into the trap of saying: “I could have made it.”

Take a look at your team. How do you rate your people in terms of tenacity? What percentage of the team has a positive attitude? Who are the people who work hard to overcome setbacks? Who are those who hide or blame others? Looking at the team overall, try completing the following sentences.

The rating I give the team in terms of tenacity is: _____ / 10

The specific things I/we can do to improve the rating are:

*

*

*

* You can focus on teamwork.

You can have talented and tenacious performers – but teamwork can sometimes make the difference. “That may be so in sports,” somebody may say, “but how does it apply elsewhere?”

Great teams set crystal-clear goals. They know each person’s strengths – so they put the right people in the right places in the team. Everybody knows each person’s best working style and contribution towards reaching the goal. People then focus on working together. Great sports teams, for example, are often made-up of ‘pairs’ and ‘trios’ who perform superbly within their part of the team. They may shuffle the ‘players’ around until they find the best combinations – because those combinations that look good in theory do not always work in reality. Once the game plan and combinations are set, people then keep practicing. They practice ‘until they forget’ – until working together comes naturally. People then go ‘on stage’ with a positive attitude. They perform superb work and encourage each other, especially during difficult times. Great teams work hard until they finish. They are made-up of people who combine their talents to deliver success.

How can you ensure your people have a crystal-clear goal? How can you get people to play to their strengths? How can you put the right people in the right places and combinations? How can you ensure they ‘practice’? How can you encourage people to stay positive? How can you make sure they combine their talents to achieve success? Try completing the following sentences.

The rating I give the team in terms of teamwork is: _____ / 10

The specific things I/we can do to improve the rating are:

*

*

*

There are many models for building teams. Talent, tenacity and teamwork is just one approach. Providing it is implemented properly, however, it provides a springboard for achieving ongoing success.