The 5 Components of a Championship-Level Team

What makes a great team and teammate?

Many assume team members easily band together, but they really require constant attention, nurturing and explanation. It doesn't happen organically — leaders must teach the five core components of being a team and becoming a great teammate.

On the other hand, bad teams unite easily — and it's easy to spot them. They look the same, and there are some striking and easily recognizable similarities between the good teams and the bad.

So what are the key components of a championship-level team? Here are our top five:

1. Competitive stamina. You’re not a team just because you practice together. You only become one when each individual member has competitive stamina — the willingness to compete daily with 100 percent commitment to winning. There are no rest days for a great team, only days of improvement.

2. Confidence without evidence. You’re not a team simply because you eat together. You only become one when each member has developed confidence without evidence, when each member commits to the process and is never dependent on the scoreboard for motivation. Win or lose, the work ethic, the dedication always remain the same.

3. Fight resistance. You’re not a team just because you wear the same uniform. You only become a team when you fight resistance, internally and externally. You never allow outside forces to affect your performance. Teams always band together. When one member is under attack, the team is under attack. No one can break a great team's bond.

4. Communication, trust, respect. You’re not a team because you take a team picture one day a year. You only become a team when you properly communicate, trust and respect each organizational member. Trust each teammate is doing his/her job, communicates with one another, and appreciates everyone. Great teams pick up trash, care about their workspace and always show respect.

5. Best players set the tone. You’re not a team just because fans come to watch you play. You only become a team when the best team members demand excellence from everyone else. The best players must set the tone so that everyone understands winning is the only goal. Great teams discipline themselves and understand and respect the process.

If we want excellence from those we lead, we must educate our players, staff and organization on the components of becoming a great team.

Once we share our "team vision," the possibilities are limitless.