The team with the most talent doesn’t always win. I’m not a huge NBA fan, but we can look there for proof. This year in the first 12 games of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the best player in the world, Lebron James, won only 5 games and lost 7.
Lebron’s supporting cast includes all-stars Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving which made it even more perplexing as to how they could be a sub .500 team. However, because they were playing together for the first time this season, they were missing a key “X Factor” that can transform a team from good to exceptional:
Team Chemistry
Lebron was quoted: “… a lot of teams are just better than us as far as chemistry, as far as the camaraderie they have over the years, and we don’t have that.” James also cited “trust” as a major area in which the Cavs must improve. Since that start the Cavaliers have gone to work getting to know their new teammates both on and off the court. It is clearly paying off as they have now won 11 of the last 14 games and sit at a far more respectable 16-10.
Locally, our high school hockey team takes team chemistry very seriously. Each Wednesday evening they meet at a player’s house without coaches to get to know each other better. They also invite a speaker to talk about leadership and personal development. They are currently undefeated this year.
High performing teams understand the importance of being intentional about building chemistry. They know that focus in this area can be the difference maker in the level of success they achieve. There are a few key things a leader needs to focus on to build chemistry within a team, which can accelerate their performance in achieving their purpose and vision.
- See how much you can learn about the members of your team – their past, their present and their dreams for the future.
- Celebrate accomplishments along the way – big and small. These can be personal or professional in nature, individual or team. Just make it authentic and frequent.
- Express gratitude and appreciation freely – A “thank you” goes a long way. Say it to individuals and the entire team… often!
- Constantly look for ways to serve others on the team – Think others first, and show your fellow teammates by assisting them whenever you can.
- Never stop looking for ways to do life together – That’s the essence of community. It’s not about me; it’s about we.
- Be patient – If you stay the course and continue to make “deposits,” chemistry will grow deeper and deeper over time. It is cumulative.
Team chemistry will enhance performance in any area of life. Whether it is in your family, in athletics, in the business world, or other organization, a team with a high level of chemistry will normally perform at a higher level than teams that don’t have it. The good news is that with some intention you can build a high level of chemistry within your team.
What are you doing to increase your team’s chemistry?
Mark
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. Luke 10:38
Even though I score a zero in understanding the mechanics of
team sports and all rules of the game are lost on me, my love is watching the
team perform. The stadium view wouldn’t
give me the opportunity of an armchair spectator where the team is interacting
during play and reacting when it’s over. You’ve introduced a new dimension, as
I had never considered chemistry.
Chemistry is a dominant factor in the workplace. It stretches beyond the
boundaries of just one or two project teams. Chemistry by its nature is not an
inert factor in getting things done on behalf of the organization.
You’ve given some guidelines for building chemistry, but I
see them as vital ways to preserve relationships even if the chemistry doesn’t mix.
Get to know each other, celebrate, be grateful and when saying thanks be
specific, look for ways to help each other out, be patient. Most of all accept that you are part of a
team, regardless if it’s formal or not, whether it’s at work or on a committee,
even if it’s in your home. None of us does life in isolation. We are all part
of something. Why not make it the best possible something because we can?
Jane, you are so right, the keys mentioned to help drive chemistry on a team, are also just plain great things servant leaders do in serving the people within their sphere of influence. Thanks so much for your insights! Wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas!!
Great post! As a girl growing up I had no interest in sports, today as a woman in leadership I crave sports, not for the love of any one in particular, but for the strategy. I love to watch how they develop and utilize talent, how plays unfold, and how they respond in the follow-up. I am currently building two healthcare teams, and yes…chemistry is everything. I have one team that is highly directive in what they do and functioning at an amazing pace, creating happy healthy patients. For the other team, looking from the outside and currently not even close to any sort of ‘play off’ material status… they see the highly functioning team as bossy and chaotic. My next goal is to turn this “last place” team into a team that takes pride in what they do. Monday after the holidays is a planned huddle with both teams to review the playbook! Thank you for the inspiration add words of wisdom to add to my coach talk in that huddle!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights on the importance of chemistry within a team. I love how you study high performing teams to understand their dynamics. Your recognition of the importance, and intentionality about building chemistry, will lead to an enhanced culture. As you build these practices into the daily routine of the team, great things will develop. But it takes patience, as it won’t happen overnight! Wishing you all the best in your journey of “High Performance”!
I try to visit with each team member on a personal basis to learn what’s going on in their life outside of work, and I love telling people “thank-you” & “good job”. We have a formal program to say thanks, and it’s always well received when I complete one for one of my coworkers.
David, those are all awesome practices to build chemistry within your team. You are doing a great job of modeling the way as you build a fabulous culture. Thanks so much for sharing