{"id":5822,"date":"2024-09-05T15:48:30","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/leaders-club\/?post_type=article&p=5822"},"modified":"2024-09-05T15:48:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:48:31","slug":"a-blueprint-for-rapidly-building-team-cohesion","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/leadersinsport.com\/leaders-club\/articles\/a-blueprint-for-rapidly-building-team-cohesion\/","title":{"rendered":"A Blueprint for Rapidly Building Team Cohesion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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\n 5 Sep 2024 <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>Articles<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A Blueprint for Rapidly Building Team Cohesion<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n \n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Team cohesion can be the key to performance and, ultimately, success. We bring you a collection of considerations from a recent Leadership Skills Series session.<\/p>\n \n \n \n

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By Luke Whitworth<\/h6>\n
Mutual understanding and coordination is crucial for sustained success.<\/h6>\n

That is the view of data consultants Gain Line Analytics, who were co-founded by former Australia rugby international Ben Darwin and Simon Strachan in 2013. They have since worked with numerous clients in both sporting and corporate environments.<\/p>\n

The company has developed a concept it calls \u2018Cohesion Analytics\u2019 to help measure both understanding and coordination within teams. Its proprietary algorithms can evaluate key metrics that influence team performance, such as communication patterns, trust levels and the effectiveness of a team\u2019s collaborative efforts. The resulting analysis can provide recommendations with a view to improving team cohesion, which may include changes in team structure, training programmes or other strategic adjustments.<\/p>\n

Gain Line\u2019s insights into the topic formed the basis of a recent Leadership Skills Series session for members of the Leaders Performance Institute. The outcome was a suite of tricks and tips for swiftly developing team cohesion.<\/p>\n

What is \u2018cohesion\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gain Line defines cohesion as \u2018the level of understanding between the component parts of a team system\u2019. They believe that cohesion is made up of:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • People:<\/strong> understanding each other.<\/li>\n
  • Position:<\/strong> understanding of role.<\/li>\n
  • Programme:<\/strong> understanding strategy and ways of working.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    How does cohesion influence performance?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Attendees at the Leadership Skills Series session identified five ways in which they believe cohesion can improve performance:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Knowledge of strengths.<\/li>\n
    2. Communication.<\/li>\n
    3. Willingness to accept challenge from each other.<\/li>\n
    4. Empowerment.<\/li>\n
    5. Shared understanding of strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The Gain Line view on the important role of cohesion in performance can be expressed through the following equation:<\/p>\n

      Skill x Cohesion = Capability<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Ultimately, they suggest that even if a team has highly skilled individuals, their overall capability will be limited if they lack cohesion. Conversely, a team with moderate skill levels but high cohesion can outperform more skilled but less-cohesive teams.<\/p>\n

      The equation challenges the assumed portability of skill. For example, if you bring talent and skill from one system, how confident can you be they that they will take all of that ability into the next system?<\/p>\n

      It raises another important consideration for people and teams who are focusing on improving: when a team is constantly adapting to changes, it can detract from their ability to improve and refine their skills and performance.<\/p>\n

      How can you develop cohesion at pace?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Gain Line makes five recommendations, which include practical tips and considerations:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Create a strong sense of belonging<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Send strong belonging cues from the outset and develop your inclusive leadership skills. In fostering belonging, allow people to share their personal story and cultural background, widening your \u2018us\u2019 story to encompass everyone\u2019s unique background. It\u2019s important to not overlook the past, so look at connecting the team to its heritage. Shine a light on key moments and individuals from which we can draw inspiration or lessons. Finally, ensure you create a shared vision together for the legacy this generation want to leave behind.<\/p>\n

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        1. Acknowledge shared responsibility for building high trust relationships<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Relationship mapping is a practical way to reflect on your relationships with other members of your team and encourages shared responsibility. Base your score on how well you know each other, your openness to each other\u2019s thinking, and the quality of your collaborations. Where are you areas for opportunity to elevate trust or relationships?<\/p>\n

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          1. Teaming skills: speaking, listening and psychological safety<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The fastest way to improve collaboration is to get individuals to think about their part in the process and getting good at the balance between speaking and listening within the group. Are people speaking up? Do we have that level of psychological safety? Are they listening?<\/p>\n

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            1. The use of \u2018getting to know each other\u2019 questions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Skilled questioning can be powerful in developing relationships and cohesion. What are some examples of \u2018getting to know each other\u2019 questions? Here are some examples:<\/p>\n

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              • Can you think of something challenging you\u2019ve achieved which you\u2019re proud of?<\/li>\n
              • A behaviour you would like to change, which you recognise can frustrate others?<\/li>\n
              • A strength you\u2019d like to make more use of in your role or in life?<\/li>\n
              • What is something you admire in others that you\u2019d like to make a strength of yours?<\/li>\n
              • What is something that has helped shape who you are today? Share how it has shaped you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                1. Increase knowledge of your \u2018A-Game\u2019 strengths and weaknesses<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  What do your athletes and staff do when they are on their \u2018A-Game\u2019? When you are bringing you\u2019re A-Game, what is it that they are bringing too? Knowing this allows everyone in the team to know what they are looking for \u2013 then the team has a collective responsibility. Equally, when you are not on your A-Game, what do you see?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n

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