Winning by Putting the Team First

By: Bill Beswick

Originally Published in: One Goal - The Mindset of Winning Soccer Teams

Coach Jason had been a successful professional player and understood very well the power of team cohesion. He had played for teams destroyed by selfishness and instability and had also played on teams who were united in their effort and achieved success.

So when he became director of coaching at a large youth soccer club, he made team cohesion a priority. Jason consulted me, and we developed a program based on changing the mindset toward winning by building team cohesion throughout the club. Everyone would be involved and expected to reflect this new emphasis. The program of change was built upon the following steps.

Put the team first. In all relevant discussions and actions, the club would put the team's interests and needs first. Personal issues would be dealt with sensitively, but not at the expense of the team. Talented but selfish players (and parents) were confronted with a choice - change or go.
Highlight team effectiveness. Instead of simply measuring and highlighting individual performance, the emphasis switched to team performance. Of course, goals would be celebrated, but so would assists, interceptions, saves made and so on. Effort would be rewarded as equally as talent.
Allow everybody to contribute. Jason insisted on a policy of inclusion and encouraged coaches not only to give players responsibilities but also to find time for them to demonstrate their worth on the field. Development and results would have to happen in partnership.
Build respect. Effective teamwork is based on respect and trust. The importance of a sound value system and respectful interpersonal relationships was stressed constantly. This went beyond understanding each other's roles and responsibilities to understanding each other's background and culture.
Coach leadership.
Trust within a team, like distrust, is a direct reflection of a team leader. Jason asked all coaches in the club to look in the mirror and ask themselves whether they modelled trust and integrity. Those coaches who did not put their team before their ego soon left.
Commit to excellence. Being part of a team means accepting commitment, taking responsibility and being accountable. Coaches were required to teach these three foundations of character development alongside their work of developing talent. Jason instigated a visiting speakers programme that repeatedly emphasised the importance of character to personal and team success.
Pull the 'weeds'. A 'weed' refuses to accept team guidelines and cannot move from a 'me' attitude. In the end weeds cannot be trusted and will damage the team, so coaches were asked to consider whether pulling the weeds out would give everyone else on the team a chance to grow. This part of the programme proved to be tough but necessary.

Naturally, Jason met some resistance, but many others shared his views. With Jason's determination the program created a team-orientated and cohesive style of winning soccer throughout the club.