Creating a "BIG Winning Mentality"

As you know if you like football and/or live in Germany, the football club @ Bayer 04 Leverkusen became Bundesliga champions this Saturday. Many records have been broken because :

• For the first time in its 120 years of history it has won the Bundesliga.
• They have not lost a single match this season
• The coach is a "rookie" (he has never managed a club in the first division before).

I don't believe in coincidences, and I ask myself: How could this happen?

Watching Xavi Alonso's presentation press conference as new coach, 18 months ago, 06.10.202 he literally says :

I'd like to help them (the players) to produce a new energy to be able to revive a big winning mentality.

That's why Xavi Alonso set himself the goal from the very first moment "to create a winning mentality in his team"... but how can that be done?

7 Ways to develop a winning mentality in your team

Lead by Example

As a leader, embody the winning mentality you want to see in your team. Set high standards, take calculated risks, and demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you expect from your team members.

Example: for X.Alonso the big lessons he learned from other coaches (like Mourinho, Guardiola, Benítez..) he had in his playing days was: "The team has to believe what you say, they have to follow you".

Define a Clear Goals

Start by establishing a compelling vision of success and clearly defining the team's goals. Help members understand the future reality you are striving for and how their individual roles contribute to achieving it.

Example: when Xavi Alonso joined the team they were relegated, and had a game against Schalke in 48 hours. His first Goal, was to focus only on that game, and then the next game in a week, and so on. No looking at points for salvation or relegation.

Align Personal Expectations

Meet with team members individually to understand their personal ambitions and aspirations. Then, align those ambitions with the team's vision to create a sense of shared purpose and motivation.

Example: The first and most important task for X.Alonso was not the strategy, nor the opponent, but to meet with the players to get to know them and connect with them.

Foster Accountability

Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for each team member. Create an environment where members feel empowered to hold each other accountable and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

Example: Unlike other coaches, X. Alonso adapted to the already created sporting structure of the first team and the club, like his coaches and assistants. Giving them confidence and empowering them in this way.

Celebrate Small Wins

Recognize and celebrate small victories along the way. This reinforces the winning mentality and keeps the team motivated, even during challenging times.

Example: the team's first victory, against Schalke 04. The result was 4-0.

Promote Continuous Learning

Encourage continuous learning and skill development among team members. Provide opportunities for training, coaching, and mastering relevant skills to build confidence and competence.

Example: X.Alonso “Not wait until the next game, start right now, every day could be the best, that′s the mentality”

Create a Positive Environment

Cultivate an environment where team members feel a sense of belonging, respect, and acknowledgment. Ensure shared values and allow individuals to be themselves within group norms.

Example: X. Alonso : “We can improve, we can play good football.”

Ultimately, creating winning mentalities from the outset, thanks to solid and exemplary leadership, based on building a great team, can lead to extraordinary results, as we have seen.

What other ways can you think of or have you experienced to develop a Winning Mentality?

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