Ten lessons taught by team sports that can be applied in the professional spectrum

When being a member of a sports team, many times we face “on field” situations that can be compared with those we experience at work. Some are intuitive, others not so much. Nonetheless, all of them can be applied, with outstanding results, to the working environment. In the following paragraphs, I will describe the ten most relevant lessons that team sports teach and are applicable when managing working spaces.

1. The best teams are not, necessarily, the ones that are filled with top stars

Generally, star-studded squads generate internal conflict: personal egos get in the way of teamwork, with the team ultimately damaging itself. This does not mean, however, that individuals within the team should not excel at their roles, as this aspect is definitely necessary for a team’s success. However, by itself, it is not enough. Characteristic traits such as empathy, teamwork, talent diversity, and systematic thinking end up having more relevance than individual excellence. A team’s foundation is better off having members that know what they are doing, without being conflictive, that are friends with each other, and that are genuinely concerned about the success of the team. It’s important that they consider the success of the team their own success, and not vice versa. A subtle, yet important, difference.

2. The way team members behave on the field during limit-defying situations will be paralleled in the working environment

Those who are not able to maintain composure on the field during tough situations won’t be able to do so in similar scenarios at work. Those who are not making their maximum effort and kneel upon defeat - before the match is over - will abandon complex and defying tasks that can overwhelm them, while those that fight every play until the game ends, will do the same at working environment. Those that are not loyal within the field won’t be loyal outside of it. It is key to identify these behaviors and attitudes before choosing them as members of your team.

3. The best coach is the one that manages to communicate and instill purpose among his players

Rather than only preparing technical and physical aspects, great coaches are able to inspire everyone around them, getting the best of their players inside and outside the playing field while also being truly committed to the team. Achieving this is an emotional task, not a rational one; it requires putting together a common goal that differs from the simple winning target, and based on this, the team shares a vision, a purpose that members can identify with, encouraging everyone to push in the same direction.

4. Training hard is a must, but the adaptability skills of the team is much more important, as in-game scenarios will always differ from what is planned

At least 95% of previously planned playing scenarios won’t go as they should, because in-game reality is complex and randomly variational. It is in that difficult reality in which adaptability and human creativity allow for instant, almost intuitive, decision-making to occur, and this is what will guide the team in the best possible direction. This ability will grow as team members get to know, complement, and value one another.

5. The less directions are given, and the simpler they are, the greater the probability of the team’s success

Less is more. The smaller the number of plays and the simpler the instructions that the team receives, the chances of succeeding increase. This is due to less confusion within the team and everyone being able to clearly understand what they have to do. We must try to simplify instructions and strategies as much as possible. "Simplicity is hard; complexity comes by itself."

6. The best, or smartest, players are not those with the most technical ability, nor the most talented ones. The best are the ones that are constantly looking out, trying to intuitively decipher what the next play will be

These players manage to achieve the systematic nature of the game. A top goal scorer will always be in the right position at the right time, and this is no coincidence. The former is always thinking about the next play, increasing their probability of being in effective positions when the next play actually happens. Those players that can anticipate upcoming plays are fundamental to their teams' success and are must-haves for every team.

7. Teams that develop clear values and ethics achieve better results

It is not about winning at all costs, it is about winning in a good manner, within the limits and rules of the sport. Teams shouldn’t celebrate their competitor’s defeat; they should be joyous about their own triumph. Furthermore, teams must remain humble when winning and losing, and meeting to openly discuss what went right and what went wrong afterwards is very important, especially when losing, as learning from failure is fundamental for future success.

8. Rivals and competitors must be studied thoroughly, as it is key to know rivals inside and out

It must be understood around the team what the rival’s weak points are, what they are good at, and on which aspects we outperform our competition. Each member of the opposition’s team strengths and weaknesses must be known to us, even the most minor of details. Using this information, the question that must be answered is: how can they be beaten? There were times in which if you worked at Coca-Cola or Pepsi, you weren’t allowed to consume the competition’s products. My belief is the opposite: the only way through which rival products can be understood, and eventually surpassed, is through the consumption and in-depth study of the former.

9. Confidence is key. A team in which there is no trust between its members and leaders reduces drastically its chances of success

The best way for trust issues to be avoided is by leaving hierarchies on the side. Genuine bonds must be constructed within and outside of the field, and the social stigma that “work and friendship” don’t go with one another must be overcome. However, always maintaining a clear idea that results must be attained in order to accomplish the purpose the team holds. It is perfectly feasible to be a leader, collaborator, friend and, at the same time, responsible for the tasks that have been assigned in order to reach the team’s targets.

10. Diversity and complementarity are quintessential elements of every team

Teams that hold diverse talent and distinct abilities at their disposal will improve their probability of success largely. The diversity of talent held by members will have to compensate for their own flaws, and, as a group, an equilibrium of complementarity between members' capabilities is what teams must strive towards. When many players of the same talents are placed together, they lack some key functions and end up tangling with one another’s abilities. The diversity of abilities, talents, and even ideas is the key to success.

I have carried these ten lessons along with me throughout my professional journey, while also trying to translate them to my co-workers. No truth is absolute, but these ten concepts translated to corporate environments have allowed me to put together successful teams, which have accomplished excellent results, along with respect, friendship, professionalism, and care for each other.