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The Formula for Team Success

By Jessi Pierce, Touchpoint Media, 02/03/15, 11:00AM CST

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Take a moment and think of a successful team. What does it look like?

While most of us are quick to picture Stanley Cup celebrations and state tournament championships, the truth is that neither of those appropriately measures a team’s success.

Success isn’t defined by win-loss column. It’s made up of what each player and team puts into it.

“A team will not achieve success with the help of just one or two elite players and winning a bunch of games,” said Pat O’Leary, former Gopher and current head coach of the Wayzata boys’ high school team. “It requires the work of the entire team to obtain success. It’s just as much about work ethic – maybe more – as it is a winning season.”

These concepts are easily confused because teams experiencing success are often seen winning as well. O’Leary discussed five characteristics of truly successful teams and how you can develop them in your locker room.

Team Chemistry: A team with talented players can go far. They can also go nowhere. A team with players who are continuously developing their talent and building off of one another will go further.

“First you have to know your (own) ability and what your skill sets are,” said O’Leary. “(Then you need to know) what your teammates’ skill sets are. It’s about how we manage those together. That’s how you build the right lines, best groups, and even bigger than that, a talented team.”

Leadership: You don’t have to don the ‘C’ in order to be a team leader. Every player on your squad can help lead the team to success.

“Especially as the season winds down, players need to step up,” said O’Leary. “They can’t be afraid to take on that leadership type of role and they can’t be afraid to take charge of certain situations on and off the ice.”

A player can be a team leader in a number of ways. Build up the locker room spirit with some inspirational words. Help out a teammate who is having a down or off game. Be present and willing to give advice on the ice or bench. A good leader will always put the team first and do what they need for the betterment of the entire group.

Remain Disciplined: A successful team works toward the common goal of benefitting the whole team. Players need to have that same focus. Drawing penalties and putting your squad down a man does the opposite of that focus. There’s not much to contribute while sitting two minutes in the penalty box.

“A kid who continues to take penalties is not helping our team,” O’Leary said. “I always remind those types of players that we need them on the ice as much as possible. We can’t use guys who are in the penalty box all the time.

“You’re not only letting yourself down, you’re letting the team down, too.”

Players need to learn the art of discipline. Hockey’s an emotional sport, but those emotions need to stay in check to limit the amount of penalties taken.

“It puts a dent in the armor of the team,” O’Leary added. “Kids should be focused on teaching themselves the game. They need to learn how to respect the game and themselves on each play. Getting penalties and playing undisciplined isn’t a part of that.”

Get Gritty: The best teams always seem to have an extra level of intensity and desire to compete.  Whether they are playing one of the best teams in the state or down a goal late in game, gritty teams find a new gear whenever the pressure is on.

“I love that word, ‘grit,’” O’Leary said. “It describes some of the best players. It describes the battle to win loose pucks, or working in front of the net and bringing that physical presence.

“It’s the kind of toughness mentality that every team and player needs to bring to every single game. You want the other team to be aware of your grittiness, because you’re going to come full-power every time.”

A team full of gritty players is dangerous. Come out strong every shift and battle through the adversity. Remember, no team is ever out of the game, no matter what the scoreboard or rankings say.

Do You Believe?: It sounds cheesy but the best way to be successful is to simply believe you and your team can be.

“You’ve got to have confidence, without being cocky,” said O’Leary. “You want the whole team to be confident and trust in themselves and their teammates.”

Know your team has what it takes to be successful and they will.

And don’t forget to take the time to celebrate the little successes throughout the season. Did you score your first goal? Maybe a teammate dramatically improved on their defensive skills? Or maybe your team’s goalie recorded his or her first-ever shutout. Whatever it is, take a moment to celebrate it.

Cherishing each of those small victories and triumphs can help motivate the entire team throughout the season. 

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