I write about my Elite Thinking methodology to unleash the potential in teams across all sectors. It is a framework that emerges from positive psychology designed to build a world champion mindset. The framework is grounded in the belief that greater levels of self-awareness around the strengths of an individual builds sustainable success for individuals and teams. Whether it is an executive leadership team, sports team, or a school team, Elite Thinking is a solution-focused approach which entails identifying what creates a successful team, who the team is when they are at their best and then aiming to duplicate regularly.
All good coaches ask this question: “How do I get my players to be the best version of themselves each day to build a winning team.”
The old view:
Players are problems to be solved. Problem solving will lead to something better. Success is guaranteed when there is a focus on fixing weaknesses.
The new view:
Players and teams as solutions to be uncovered. This new view is powerful because practices are used which create a persistent focus on performance successes and strengths. (Ted Lasso talks about his players being like “goldfish”). It is more powerful to remember what worked well and build on those successes.
These strategies when performed with intent and regularity, have the potential to transform teams and players.
The strategies a coach can use are:
a) Emphasizing success of a player.
b) Focusing on the strengths of the team.
c) Highlighting best practices on the field.
For example: A team loses two games in a row. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, the coach could inquire into the “best of” by identifying the moments when the team was playing well and finding success. The aim then is to build from that data. “We didn’t get scored on in the 3rd quarter. What were we doing well that caused that shut-out? What practices and attitudes could we replicate?”
Issues and weaknesses are not neglected. This is an important point. The difference is in the balance. A culture of success is created when the coach and players spend more time relentlessly celebrating, unpacking and analyzing the “best of” so that it may be replicated and teams may find their winning ways.