Aug 30

Proof a Strong Culture Creates a Winning Team

One of the complaints I hear online and during coaching sessions is around the difficulty of hiring and retaining talent.  With 67% of the working population disengaged at work and 51% of employees looking for a job change, it’s clear more than half of today’s workforce isn’t satisfied in their current position.

While many companies are talking about engagement, equity, inclusion and diversity, which are undeniably important, hardly anyone is discussing culture.  As a result companies spend a lot of money hiring but can’t keep qualified or quality employees engaged because of their culture (or lack there of).  It’s the equivalent of treating a disease caused by poor nutrition with pills to make the symptoms go away instead of addressing the patient’s lifestyle to make the disease go away – most companies are treating the symptom instead of the cause.

I had the opportunity to spend time with Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, and regardless of whether you are for or against the team their success on the field–and his success as a business owner–is undeniable.  I asked him, “if you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to build their business to this level what would it be?”  Without hesitation he said, “build the CULTURE FIRST.” He continued, “Once you have a winning culture you can attract the right people to create a winning team.  In the NFL we all have the same salary cap so I can offer players less money and get great players because they want to be a part of our culture. It also means I can get rid of players who don’t fit the culture and quickly fill their spot with someone who does.”

If I had to pick the four characteristics of a winning team based on my observations of the New England Patriots they would be:

• Standards – The team has clear standards for how to show up on the field and off.  In addition to the grueling workouts, hard-core practices, and intense games each team member is required to give back to the community.  If you don’t live up to the standard, you are let go.
• Mental Toughness – In football it’s easy to believe that physical toughness is all you need, however mental toughness is the key to succeed with the Patriots.  This team’s ability to overcome difficulties is unparalleled.   If you don’t have mental toughness, you are let go.
• Work Ethic – Everyone associated with the Patriots is required to show up and give 110% everyday during the regular season and during the off-season. Sitting with Julian Edelman, he was asked what do you do when you have time off. He said, “train (for the season).”  If you don’t have the work ethic of a champion, you are let go.
• You Are Let Go – Unlike most companies who hire quickly and delay firing the wrong fit, the Patriots take their time in picking the best players and they quickly get rid of players that don’t meet the characteristics of a winning team – they can do that because they have a culture of excellence.

The reality is your company has a culture even if you haven’t clearly defined it.  The two key questions that follow are, do you know what that culture is and; is the culture you have one you would have created on purpose?

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.