Based on my experience in tech as well as pro sports, there are about few different
stages of a team.
Stage 1 (what is a team?)
Members at this stage, do not believe that greatness can be achieved, they do not believe in
team cohesion and achieving results as a group. Stage 1 teams do not see any point in trying.
Stage 2 (it's not my fault)
These teams and their leaders have a cynical view towards improvement. They complain frequently
but offer no solutions. Many things, including practice and any push for excellence are met with some form
of resistance and people are dragging their feet. A nicer way to say it is: the players
generally behave in a reactive manner and try to dodge responsibility while they perceive
themselves as victims.” Example: “we don't have enough resources” or “it's the other team's
fault”. There are a lot of teams in this category.
Stage 3 (I serve myself before the team)
This cohort probably represents 50% of teams. Players/team members compete against each other.
“I want to get promoted over the other guy” or in basketball: “I need to get my shots and
touches”. Some team members can achieve greatness but do so for their own personal gain. It
is the opposite from the Golden State Warrior's mantra: "Strength in numbers". Members in this
stage have yet to see how working together can achieve a greater mission, and how helping
each other will help them become more successful and achieve great things.
Stage 4 (Passing the ball)
About 20% of teams enter this zone of “We’re great, and they’re not”. In this stage it is all
about beating the other team and becoming selfless and adopting the role that will benefit the
group vs the individual. “Our tribe will beat their tribe”. Proud of their team, members
compete with other tribes, not each other. Stage 4 teams display strong adversity, especially
when they have gone through tough challenges. Examples: Lakers 2000-2003. Facebook//Uber/Coinbase Growth teams.
Stage 5 (Life is great.)
Rarely do teams reach stage 5. Maybe 1-2% of teams reach it. At this level, the team's mantra is “life is great”. These
highly evolved teams remove ego from the equation, having no need to compete against each other
or other teams. Stage 5 teams strive solely to carve out their own path of greatness and to make
history. Stage 5 players are focused on helping each other and playing unselfishly as a team to
achieve their mission. These teams enjoy every second of the game, if they lose one, that's
okay, they play for something bigger than themselves. They enjoy the cigar after the game
or the glass of wine. They don't take themselves too seriously. Examples: Chicago Bulls '96, '98,
Golden State Warriors organization overall: '17, '18, '22.
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