Team Excellence Accelerator

No matter what the sport, championship teams have certain characteristics in common. Here is a printable checklist you can use to see how your team is stacking up against some of the all-time greats! These “meta” skills for teamwork are every bit as important as the particular skills you are training for in practice.

As a simple exercise, read through the checklist and circle items you need to work on with your team - then get to work!

PS - These teamwork skills also work exceptionally well in a business setting.

1. Visualize Possibilities Beyond Reality

- [ ] Regularly practice envisioning next-level team performances.

- [ ] Engage in mental contrasting to align current efforts with future goals.

- [ ] Encourage thinking beyond present limitations to explore new possibilities.

2. Cultivate an Insatiable Growth Mindset

- [ ] Set aside time for continuous learning and self-improvement.

- [ ] Embrace setbacks as preparation for future success.

- [ ] Foster a team culture where innovation is expected and celebrated.

3. Foster Constructive Collaboration

- [ ] Encourage open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives.

- [ ] Practice tailored approaches to collaboration, like group flow.

- [ ] Build trust and openness through regular mental practice and communication.

4. Turn Values into Differentiators

- [ ] Identify and collectively uphold team values and standards.

- [ ] Connect team members to a greater purpose beyond individual roles.

- [ ] Create and use memorable phrases that encapsulate team values.

5. Support Each Other Through Ups and Downs

- [ ] Cultivate a psychologically safe environment for taking creative risks.

- [ ] Support each other unconditionally in both failures and successes.

- [ ] Embrace obstacles as opportunities for action and growth.

Bringing It All Together

- [ ] Regularly review team progress against these benchmarks.

- [ ] Encourage blending these elements for sustained team excellence.

- [ ] Celebrate successes and continuously aim for higher levels of achievement.

Feel free to adjust or add to this checklist based on the specific needs and dynamics of your team.