Building a successful team, whether in sports or business, involves more than just assembling talented individuals. According to Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association Of Central New York, recent research from McKinsey highlights core principles that top coaches and administrators use to set high standards and create elite organizations.
McKinsey’s study interviewed over 25 professionals from leading athletic programs across the United States. Their findings indicate that building a world-class team requires managing talent, culture, and performance expectations. Challenges often arise when teams fail to agree on working norms or when leadership roles are unclear.
The research identified four main themes for building and sustaining high-performing teams:
First, leaders should establish clear objectives and foster a culture that everyone supports. “These leaders strongly emphasized creating a culture everyone buys into, where each teammate ‘walks the talk’ daily, even when no one is watching,” Wolken noted.
Second, it is important to build teams with diverse leadership skills rather than focusing solely on individual performance. “Successful sports leaders aren’t simply looking for the best performers, but the right players who will help them win. This is true for companies as well; it’s not always about skill—fit must also be a factor.”
Third, having a playbook for operations can optimize performance. “These sports leaders clearly and purposefully codify how the work gets done and emphasize consistency in operations—from day-to-day routines…to annual planning cycles. Companies, too, need a playbook for optimal performance.”
Finally, developing an edge sets successful teams apart by boosting confidence at all levels. Brian Wright, General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs told McKinsey: “Everyone on the team has a critical role to play in ensuring the success of the group. We win by engaging everyone, not just our star players.” Wolken added that business leaders should determine their company’s unique advantage to stand out from competitors.
McKinsey’s report suggests these four principles can help business leaders build better teams and improve long-term value by adapting strategies from successful sports organizations.
As college sports seasons begin nationwide, Wolken encourages business professionals to observe what makes winning teams effective and consider applying those practices within their own organizations.
