By Lynda Silsbee, Performance Dimensions Group
After making back-to-back trips to the Super Bowl the past few years (and winning it once), the 2-time defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks fell just short of an epic comeback against the Carolina Panthers in this year’s NFL playoffs. Without question, Seattle has emerged as one of the elite teams in the NFL over the past 5 years, and their resiliency showed even in this recent playoff loss, where they fell down 31-0 on the road by halftime, only to score 24 unanswered points in the second half.
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What has made the Seahawks so special? Some people attribute the success to the defense. Others credit Quarterback Russell Wilson’s passing game. And yet others attest it’s because Seattle has the best running back in the game, Marshawn Lynch. But the truth is no one player really stands out more than any other. You can’t win a football game without every single position—offense and defense.
When it comes to teambuilding, what is most critical is getting everyone to think of themselves as a whole. It’s about creating a culture that thrives on working together, being the best that you can be. It’s about the WE. Pete Carroll’s leadership style of competitiveness—identifying and maximizing the uniqueness of every player and coach, and thriving on a nurturing environment—allows his players (the Seattle Seahawks) to be themselves. And, most important, it focuses on accountability to the team. This idea of team building can work on any level, including in your own organization.