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.
The Australian cricket team is the ICC T20 World Cup winner. They were improbable victors, many would say.
What caused them to win the tournament defeating powerful teams along the way?
I believe the answer lies in the players being able to answer these two questions:
1. “Who are we at our best?”
2. “How do we replicate those ingredients for success under pressure and in every game?”
The answer to no.1?
Fun.
This was the reason Australian coach Justin Langer gave on in the interview on the field right after the game. He said the team had “fun” together. This wouldn’t have been easy for Langer. Not that the man doesn’t like to have fun, but his approach to coaching is clear. He is very direct, does not hold any punches and values open, honest and sometimes brutal dialogue. None of this is wrong until it doesn't fit the culture of the team and until it doesn’t extract the best out of the team. Kudos to Langer as he altered his approach to enable players to feel the emotions they needed to feel to be their best selves and play with a sense of fun and joy.
The answer to no.2?
Intentional noticing.
When players are intentional about noticing and naming the feelings they have when they are at their best both individually and as a team, they are more able to elicit those feelings when needed. And, when team mates know what triggers those feelings of confidence and control they can support the other players with purpose and precision to get the best out of them.
Not all players and teams have the same ingredients for success. I use the Elite Thinking methodology to help people and teams discover their uniqueness and who they are at their best. It’s powerful and worthwhile, and when replicated winning becomes possible.