Team performance is limited by lots of variables. Talent, or lack thereof, limits performance. Competition, good or not so good, limits performance. The will to work and endure pain, limits performance. The list goes on and on with limiting variables from inside and outside, almost, ad infinitum. Nothing, however, limits team performance more than team chemistry.
Team chemistry is built with deep trust. Trusting each other at our word. Trusting each other to do our job. Trusting each other to have our collective “back.” Trust, built through hard practice, that we will perform as ONE especially during the toughest tests. Team chemistry is the secret sauce every team yearns for but few taste. Here’s the root “why” behind chemistry’s elusive element.
Chemistry can’t form without deep, meaningful, open, raw, real, and routine conversation. Chemistry comes from deep connection. Few leaders are master connectors and take the time to understand all the unique languages on their teams. Few leaders are willing to connect with everybody they call teammate. Few leaders talk about whatever needs to be talked about, right when it’s gotta be talked out. Few leaders think they’ve got time to talk, really talk when the troubled teammate says it’s time. Few.
Team chemistry is limited by conversation. What convo you avoiding? What convo can’t you have with everbody? What convo is keeping you from chemistry? What convo keeps you up at night, rehearsing? What convo do you keep having with your inner circle minus one or two? Team performance is limited by lots of variables – none moreso than the level of conversation, leader. Team performance is most limited by you, leader. It’s nice you’re a believer. You gotta be a connector too. You can’t simply be satisfied connecting with a few like you. Your job, if you’re a leader, is to aim at connecting with everyone. Chemistry comes from deep connection with whomever is your team. You have time for lots of things, leader. It’s time you invested a bit more with your team.
It’s time to talk, that is, if your aim is chemistry. You can’t reach elite without tasting chemistry. It is time to talk. Good…
BUILT TO LEAD 