Relationships are the key

In observing many teams, both in the sporting and corporate world, it becomes more and more obvious how important effective relationships are in successful teams. One only needs look at teams that are successful and compare them to ones that do not live up to their potential. I know relationships are the buzz word around, and some may think that they sound a bit too warm and fuzzy to have a real role in the tough world of sport, but let me explain further.
Rassie Erasmus, the Stormers coach, indicated in his ten crucial aspects of forming a team, that forming an effective management staff was the very first and most important thing, any coach should do at the start of his tenure. Jake White too often spoke about the value of not only his relationship with John Smit, but also with his assistants. In fact there are three major areas where positive relationships are necessary for a fully functional and performing team to be created.
1. Management staff
It is very important here that not only is there a good degree of trust, but also a respect for each other’s roles within the management staff. All should be assigned roles and left to perform those without threat and subversive behaviour from anyone else on the team. Out in public and in front of the team a united front should always be shown; even if behind closed doors there are disagreements. Another key, and perhaps problematic area at schools and clubs level, is the complementary nature of the staff. Often it is tempting for friends to coach together, or for a head coach to ensure that the people around him will not challenge his way of thinking. This can, despite the morale being high, lead to under-performance, as there may be crucial skills and character-traits missing from the management team. An obvious area are, forwards and backs coaches, but do we look at softer traits, such as ways of dealing with players complementing each other, rugby backgrounds, previous learning etc. Diversity in a management staff can often be extremely productive, provided there is a culture of respect and a trust that each person is competent to fulfil their role.

2. Management/Players
Not all coaches need to be liked. This is 100 % true, but their needs to be a positive, productive relationship in place. A balance needs to be found between being a player’s mate, and being so hard on your players that they hate you. Each coach will need to use his particular personality traits to ensure that a productive relationship is in place. This means that you are able to be hard when called upon, but still be able to chat to each player, know how to get the best out of them, and give praise where it is due. Try from time to time to evaluate how productive your relationship is with your team. Get the blend between positive respect and performance and results right.

3. Players/Players
The biggest cliché in rugby, is to hear people talk about how great/poor their team spirit is. There is no doubt that a good ‘gees’ within a team can lead to good results. It is therefore crucial that coaches and players place emphasis on creating that spirit. This is not only done through team-building exercises, but also through the environment coaches create for the players, and how well the coach leads the team. Some teams are easier work with than others, but team spirit must not be ignored, or cast aside as something that ‘just happens or not’. What is important however is noting whether the spirit is leading to performance. It’s no use having a team who get on well, braai every weekend, but joke around at practice or are more focused on the after-party than the game. Ensure that you channel the spirit into wins.

Always remember that for a team to be successful you need a perfect balance between
Spirit, Processes followed, and outputs delivered. E.g Your team gees being the spirit, the way you practice, select your team etc being your processes, and your goals and results being your outputs. This combination and balance is bound together by the leadership of the team and through effective relationships. Good luck and search for that balance to see true results!