The Importance of Creating An All-Star Team

With the turn of fall comes the start of the football season and, here in New England, it’s been a roller coaster so far - and we’re only in week four!

While we knew we’d have to wait four games to see our beloved quarterback Tom Brady hit the field, we most certainly weren’t prepared, at least mentally, to lose our backup quarterback to a shoulder injury in week two. What seemed like a bad situation at the time only got worse when reports surfaced that our third-string quarterback, who led the team to victory in week three, had a thumb injury.

The 2016-2017 Patriots season provides an excellent reminder of the importance of creating quality teams, the necessity of preparation, and the ability to be flexible in critical times – both in sports and in the workplace. In public relations, especially in an agency setting, teamwork is crucial. In many professions, this is no different. You are only as strong as your weakest player and the need to recruit talented individuals who possess the ability to be quality teammates is essential to business success.

If we can learn anything from the Patriots these past few weeks, it’s that no matter how prepared you are, life throws unpredictable curve balls. Having a well-rounded team full of strong players will always win over a team of just a few superstars. Taking a page out of Coach Bill Belichick’s playbook, creating an all-star team requires its players to embrace three core values:

1. “Do Your Job:” While it may seem like an obvious attribute, a winning team must be filled with individuals who show up, put in the time, and get the job done. At InkHouse, this value is better defined as “We go to yes.” We look for what is possible - not what isn’t.
2. Prepare for the Worst: Things can change in an instant. Having a team of fast thinkers who work well under pressure will undoubtedly make for the best people to call upon to roll up their sleeves in times of crisis. 
3. Praise Often: Feedback is important at any stage in your career. Not only does it show your colleagues you are paying attention to their performance but, more importantly, that you care and want success for them. Following their recent game wins, the Patriots celebrated the accomplishments of those individuals who don’t always have the opportunity to shine. Opportunities like this provide a real morale booster for all involved. 

Building a winning team pays dividends. Avoid relying on one or two top-performers, and look to create a well-balanced roster of dynamic individuals who have champion qualities and a true team player attitude.

“There is an old saying about the strength of the wolf is the pack, and I think there is a lot of truth to that. On a football team, it’s not the strength of the individual players, but it’s the strength of the unit and how they all function together.” – Bill Belichick