5 reasons why ‘rules of the game’ are essential for a winning team
Rules of the game are an essential component of a winning team. Rules of the game are the agreed-upon standards and expectations that team members must follow in order to achieve their shared objectives. Brad Sugars emphasises the importance in his book “Instant Teams,” where he provides practical strategies for building high-performing teams.
READ THE FULL GUIDE HERE
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. They 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, rules of the game 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. They can help to establish a level playing field, where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the team’s success.
BOOK A STRATEGY REVIEW WITH MARK
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: Development should be a collaborative process. Involve your team members in the process of developing your rules of the game, 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: 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 them, and hold team members accountable for their contributions to the team’s success.