Why are Rules of the Game Important for a Winning Team?

Rules of the game are an essential component of a winning team. They are the agreed-upon standards and expectations that team members must follow in order to achieve their shared objectives. Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH,  emphasises the importance in his book “Instant Teams,” where he provides practical strategies for building high-performing teams.

Why are Rules of the Game Important for a Winning Team?

Rules of the game are critical for a winning team for several reasons. First and foremost, they promote clarity and transparency. When everyone on the team knows what is expected of them, it is easier to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Rules of the game can help to establish a clear and shared understanding of what is required to achieve the team’s objectives.

They also promote accountability and responsibility. When everyone on the team knows the standards that they are expected to meet, it is easier to hold each other accountable for their contributions. Rules of the game can help to create a culture of ownership, where everyone takes responsibility for their work and the team’s success.

Finally, they promote fairness and equity. When everyone on the team knows the standards that they are expected to meet, it is easier to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equitably. Rules of the game can help to establish a level playing field, where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the team’s success.

Developing effective rules of the game for your team is an essential step towards creating a winning team. Here are some tips:

• Involve Your Team Members: Developing effective rules of the game should be a collaborative process. Involve your team members in the process, and listen to their feedback and ideas. When team members feel that their voices are heard and valued, they are more likely to be committed to the team’s success.
• Make it Clear and Specific: Effective rules of the game should be clear and specific. They should describe the specific standards and expectations that team members are expected to meet, and the consequences of failing to meet those standards. The more clear and specific they are, the easier it will be for team members to understand and follow them.
• Communicate Clearly and Consistently: Once you have developed effective rules of the game for your team, it is important to communicate them clearly and consistently to your team members. Make sure that everyone on the team understands them, and the consequences of failing to meet them. Communicate them regularly, and use them as a guide for decision-making and planning.
• Enforce the Rules of the Game: Effective rules of the game are only effective if they are enforced. Make sure that team members understand that there will be consequences for failing to meet the standards and expectations outlined. Enforce the rules consistently and fairly, and hold team members accountable for their contributions to the team’s success.

Who is ActionCOACH’s Business Coach Mark Dilks?

Mark Dilks is an accomplished business leader, experienced coach, mentor and business builder. He supports business owners, executives and teams across Milton Keynes, Bedford, Northampton, Luton & Dunstable in all aspects of building profitable high growth businesses; from start-up phase all the way through to maturity and divestment. No matter what challenges you are facing, Mark will invariably have encountered a similar situation previously and will be able to support you to quickly and efficiently overcome your business hurdles by sharing examples of how other business have solved similar problems that you are experiencing. He is motivated, driven, tenacious and is able to get the very best out of all the resources available to his clients and to ensure that the maximum results possible are achieved.