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Jack Welch
Americans root for underdog teams. They love to see underdog teams have fast turnarounds. It is like a fairy tale. Turning around sport teams is not an easy thing to do though. When it happens, there always seems to be a reason for the fast turnaround.
America was founded on one of the greatest underdog stories ever. A small group of want-to-be soldiers, poorly equipped Army militias took on the greatest world power of the day. The British surrendered to the poorly equipped Americans at Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781. These Americans displayed what people can do when they bond together and fight for a common cause.
What is the key to teams having fast turnarounds? Is it the talent of the players? Is it the knowledge and ability of the coaching staff? Or is it a combination of many things?
Turnarounds have always been a part of sports. There seems to be a common factor. It is how teams respond, build a culture of trust and determination, and align all forces to the cause at hand. Frequently, we witness a team that seems to spring up from nowhere to break into the national conversation. It is particularly impressive when a team rises up from a previous abysmal season, and was not expected to be competitive the next year as well. There is a thread of positive energy that flows from these type teams.
Recently, I read a story about Bobby Dowd and his Georgia Tech football team in the 1950s. The Yellow Jackets had a subpar season in 1950 and most experts believed they could not improve in 1951. Yet, Coach Dowd and his Jacket team went 11-0-1 the next season, including a huge win over the mighty Georgia Bulldogs 48-6. They continued on their winning ways winning the national title in 1952 and embarked on a 31-game unbeaten streak.
Researching the why, it was obvious Coach Dowd knew how to grow his players and build a dynasty. It was through love and culture. His players consistently said he was the kind of coach who inspired young people. Several players said he was like a second father to all his players. He respected his players and treated them with dignity. Players did not want to disappoint him and went the extra mile for him because he went the extra mile for his players.
Great teams display a culture of love, desire, determination, and togetherness. These are the same ingredients that work in families and marriages. Psychologist John Gottman found married couples who engaged in five positive interactions for every negative interaction are much likelier to stay together than the couples who were closer to a oneto-one ratio.
Teams have to have a foundation. Having a positive culture is the foundation. Team culture can be lacking in togetherness or it can be full of togetherness. Jon Gordon said in his book Positive Leadership that the foundation was the root that produces fruit. He called this the Vitamin C and said teams need to invest in their Vitamin C.
The Bible teaches us the same thing in John 15, verses 5 and 6. Fruit is produced from the root. A strong root system produces much fruit. Without a good root system, there cannot be fruit produced. Consequently, to me it is simple. building great teams is focused on great culture. Culture of love, determination, desire, knowledge, teamwork, respect, and collaboration.
Teams wanting to improve their culture will invest in their Vitamin C. Their Vitamin C will include encouraging each other, setting a standard of working out, standard of discipline on and off the field, spending time together in other phases of life, and striving for a common cause.
Thought for the week: “Employees are a company’s greatest asset, they’re your competitive advantage. You want to attract and retain the best; provide them with encouragement, stimulus, and make them feel that they are an integral part of the company’s mission.” — Anne M. Mulcahy Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.