Mark de Rond is a professor of Strategy and Organisation at
Cambridge University's Judge Business School, where was CEO in Residence for
several years.
He has just released the book There Is an I in Team: What EliteAthletes and Coaches Really Know About High Performance that looks at what business can learn from the world of professional sport and how
focusing on individual potential elevates team performance. The book is readable,
teachable, innovative and insightful.
According to the author, there are six ways to raise your team
performance:
- The best teams are made up of individuals.
- Know your limits. How much are you willing to tolerate – even from your most talented team members?
- “Star performers” are great but be mindful that everyone has their unique strengths. Amazing talent is not transferable.
- Team players need to be aware that what may work for them as individuals does not necessarily work in a group.
- Tension within the team may be uncomfortable, but that is not the same as dysfunctional.
- Create an open environment where people can have their say.
