What makes a champion team?
By Jacqui Hineman
This month we are going to explore what makes a champion team and why a champion team can beat a team of champions.
While selectors select individuals to play together, it is the actions of these individuals that make or break a team. The adage ‘the whole is more than the sum of its parts’ highlights the importance of looking at the bigger picture and remembering the common goal of the team. In a team, no-one is more important than anyone else. Everyone has a role, everyone’s position is important, and every bowl played has a purpose. We have all seen teams where negativity and doubt have contributed to team disharmony and team performance. On the flip side, other teams seem to be in synch and everyone works together in a positive way. These teams are a joy to watch.
There are four steps that teams need to take before they can successfully work as a well-oiled machine.
These steps are known as forming, storming, norming and performing.
- Step 1 Forming
The forming stage begins once selections have been made and individuals have been notified of their playing position within the team. The selectors have formed a team of individuals who they feel will work well together. It is now up to the players and coaches to transform the group of individuals into a team. - Step 2 Storming
After the forming stage, the storming stage begins. This is when everyone has a say in their role within the team as well as deciding the collective goals of the team. Each team member should be encouraged to have input into discussions as this will help the skip get to know each player better.
This stage is where strengths and weaknesses of players are acknowledged and shared goals are set. - Step 3 Norming
The norming stage is when individuals work together to establish a set of standards and patterns, or norms that are recognised and accepted by all team members.
These norms are unique to each team and provide all players with a sense of belonging. This is the time to establish a game plan, so that each player knows their role and what is expected of them, not only in the position they play, i.e. skip, lead, but also as a supportive and positive team mate. It is at this stage that team culture is developed. - Step 4 Performing
The team has now reached the performing stage. The team has to put into practice what has been learnt while working through the various stages.
A group of individuals, who may not have played together before, are now a team with the information and skills to play in a collaborative and cohesive manner, while working towards a common goal.
TEAM – Together, Everyone, Achieves, More