A team is defined as a group of people who come together to achieve a common goal. Teamwork truly does make the dream work. However, when working as a team, a positive culture must be created to be successful.

Setting the tone for your team right at the beginning of the season is crucial. Lay the foundation and explain the team rules and what is expected from each of them this season. Then come together and decide what you will be all about this season in regards to the team’s beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviour’s. Once everyone buys in, you have a positive team culture.

Team culture doesn’t just happen overnight, it takes time. Creating or transforming your team culture is a process. Everyone must trust the process in order to see positive shifts. Consistency amongst the group is key. If even one person is off balance and decides to follow their own path, the culture will be broken. The best teams move in unity. Think of the military and how disciplined soldiers are with each step being synchronized with one another.

Culture cuts out many communication errors because everyone knows exactly what is expected of them from the get go. If someone is lost or unsure of something they always have the team values to fall back on. As well, a team with a good culture has no outsiders. Everyone supports one another building trust. Once there is culture you can trust everyone to do the right thing. Culture essentially holds one another accountable.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” –Michael Jordan