What makes a good team culture?
The NFL has more parity than any other major sports league. Any team can beat anyone on any given Sunday. In the #CJJblog this week, I contend that culture is the main contributor to team success in the National Football League. Here are some characteristics of a good culture and my predictions (good and bad) of teams that will be affected by it this season. Enjoy.
- Main characters. Culture starts with the Head Coach and Quarterback. How do they contribute to (or hinder) the culture? Do they lead by example?
- Accountability. Who takes accountability for the team’s success and failures? When they lose, is there blame being thrown around the locker room? Accountability flows through the coaches and quarterback first.
- People. What type of team do they have? Are they competent and have good character? Can we count on them?
- Buy-in. The whole organization must have the We > Me attitude. The team mission must be followed by all and alignment throughout the organization.
- Clarity. Are the expectations clear? What about the team standards each day?
- Analysis. Does the Head Coach delegate well and surround themselves with staff who compliment each other? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Are they aware of them?
- Response. Win or lose, how does the team respond? Overreactions are not a recipe for success in the NFL. The best example of being even-keeled in this league (and maybe in sports) is Chiefs Head Coach, Andy Reid.
- Predictions. Based on culture, who will finish above (and below) .500 winning percentage this season?
- Above .500: Kansas City, Los Angeles Chargers, Vikings, Texans, Bills, and Ravens
- Below .500: New York Jets, Eagles, Cowboys, Jaguars, and Browns
Did You Know? Coach Jim Johnson recently signed a deal with the Kansas School Administrators in Wichita, KS and will be speaking and delivering Leadership breakout sessions at their upcoming events.
Life Tip #14: Great leaders continue to grow as leaders by being consistent with a Personal Growth Plan