In light of the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday, it couldn’t be more appropriate to use an illustration from the Seattle Seahawks to illustrate phase 3 in the lifecycle of a healthy team – rest & celebration. But first, here’s a quick review of the phases.
I wasn’t really a football fan until moving to the Northwest three years ago. But living in the Northwest, I quickly noticed the hype around the Seahawks. Then, as we moved closer to Seattle, the hype got even bigger. Then, when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in 2014, you’d think a war had been won. People were out in the streets hugging, high-fiving and congratulating each other. It was an amazing time to live there. Now, the week before they return to the Super Bowl in 2015, all eyes are on them. But especially, all eyes are on the coaching tactics of Pete Carroll.
Photo: Getty Images
Articles on Carroll’s positive focus abound on the internet. Additionally, you can find other write-ups on how his style differs so much from many of his colleagues who have wanted to command and control their teams. Carroll, on the other hand, celebrates his players individuality and chooses to focus on what worked, rather on what they did wrong.
Here’s a quick review about what we’ve learned so far with the lifecycle of a healthy team with the last phase, rest & celebration.
- PHASE 1: Preparing your team well means determining what’s needed to get you from where you are at to where you need to be. Resource and prepare accordingly.
- PHASE 2: Sending your team to do the work means freeing them to execute the plan, but supporting them with a coaching structure to ensure their success.
- PHASE 3: When the work is done, take time to rest & celebrate wins.
Rest & Celebration
At the end of a project or other big effort, the rest & celebration you give your team should match their accomplishment, not matter how small or big. Do they deserve a day off, a night out together or even just a quick meeting where you review what went well? You decide. The point is, you’ve got to give them time to rest. Driving your team non stop will wear them out and discourage them. But resting doesn’t necessarily mean a vacation. It could simply mean taking some time over a meal or a drink to remember what just happened, learn from it and tell each team member what you value about what they did.
Take some time to watch Pete Carroll do this with his team after they won the NFC championship in 2014. Notice what he does. He recites what each player did that was noteworthy, no matter how big or small. Notice how the team responds to this. When was the last time you did something like this with your team?
What can we learn from Pete Carroll & the Seahawks? The best teams prepare well, then they work hard. Last, they take time to rest, remember & celebrate. Then they go right back to work.
Do you need help overhauling your team? Send me an email and tell me about it. I’d be happy to help. Now watch what Carroll does with his team and take notes. I’d love to hear of the lessons you learn.
Oh yes. One more thing. “GO HAWKS !!!”