Alright, let’s get straight to the heart of it this week. We’re kicking off our eight-part series on building champion teams, and here is the very first non-negotiable rule: No one is more important than the team.
Think about that for a moment. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, this might seem counter-intuitive. We see the star players grabbing the headlines, the individual brilliance that can change the course of a game in an instant. But dig a little deeper into any truly successful team, and you’ll find a common thread: an unwavering commitment to the collective.
It’s the fundamental choice every player, every coach, every member of a team has to make: do you want to be a star, or do you want to be a champion? Stars shine brightly on their own, but their light can be fleeting. Champions, on the other hand, illuminate the entire team, creating a brilliance that endures.
This isn’t about stifling individual talent. Far from it. As a coach, you’ll naturally identify and nurture those with exceptional skills. Some players will require more focused attention, more tailored encouragement. But the crucial element is ensuring that this individual development always serves the greater good of the team. There’s no room for egos that swell to the point of overshadowing the collective ambition.
Consider the power of “we.” When every member of a team is genuinely invested in the success of the group, something magical happens. Collaboration flourishes, trust deepens, and individuals are more willing to go the extra mile for their teammates. Each person understands their role, no matter how seemingly small, and recognises its vital contribution to the overall success.
A brilliant example of this in action is the incredible story of Leicester City’s 2015-16 English Premier League victory. Here was a team that wasn’t packed with superstar names. Many were considered underdogs, players who had been overlooked elsewhere. Yet, they achieved the unthinkable. How? Through sheer, unadulterated teamwork.
Think about it. Jamie Vardy’s goals were crucial, Riyad Mahrez’s flair undeniable. But their success was intrinsically linked to the tireless work of the midfield, the rock-solid defence, and the unwavering belief that permeated the entire squad. There were no reports of individual players demanding special treatment or putting themselves above the team. They were a unit, a collective working in perfect harmony. Their story is a powerful testament to the fact that a team of committed individuals, playing for each other, can achieve far more than a collection of talented individuals pulling in different directions.
The opposite, of course, is also true. How many times have we seen teams brimming with individual talent fail to live up to expectations because of internal friction, clashing egos, and a lack of collective spirit? The most gifted individuals can be rendered ineffective if they are not willing to subordinate their personal ambitions to the team’s goals.
As we move forward in this series, we’ll delve deeper into the practical steps you can take to foster this team-first mentality. But for now, let this first rule sink in. Are you cultivating an environment where the “we” is always prioritised over the “me”? Are you building a team of stars or a champion team? The answer to that question will be the bedrock of your success.
