I read a great story today about a team that developed largely through the actions of the team members. It is about the Michigan State University offensive line and what they did to build a more cohesive and higher performing team. It resonated with me because it was done largely through two things that we can all afford: attitude and time. Highlights for me:
- Leadership (the coach) set the goal to develop a more dominant running game. (result was +30 yds/game in 2010 vs 2009)
- Their time together off the field was spent around a barbeque – eating. (ie. no ropes course or expensive consultants were needed)
- The quarterback provided leadership (via encouragement) by buying t-shirts for the linemen to help show their unity and pride. (ie. no $$ compensation was needed to motivate this group)
- No significant individual honors were received by any of the offensive lineman.
- The opponents recognize their teamwork, and the players use the word PRIDE to describe how they feel about what they have accomplished. What great key measures.
It is not certain that their team will win their bowl game, but it is certain that this group of young men have shown us they understand how to build an effective team. Here is the link – http://www.tidesports.com/article/20101228/NEWS/101229701/1011?p=2&tc=pg