The Power of a Positive Team

Many think that you have to choose between positivity and winning. But the truth is you don't have to choose. Positivity leads to winning.

Michael Phelps was recently interviewed by Bob Costas where he described his approach to building a positive team before the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

"Every now and then you hear a bunch of negative comments or someone complaining and during training camp at one of the meetings I said to the guys that we are getting ready to go to the Olympics, this is what we have to do and if there is a negative comment keep it to yourself. The more positivity we have as a team the better off we are going to be. As soon as I said that we all became closer and then we really started getting going."

When I heard Michael say these words I was thrilled because he shared a truth with the world that I have witnessed countless times throughout the years. A team with talent can be good. But they must come together to be great. Positivity is the glue that enhances team connection and performance and it impacts office teams, school teams, church teams, and hospital teams as much as it does Olympic teams.

I've seen very positive teams with average talent accomplish more than anyone thought possible.

I've also seen negative teams with a lot of talent accomplish far less than everyone thought was possible.

Positive teams work together more effectively. They stay positive, connected and committed through challenges. They maximize each other's talent. They believe together and achieve more together.

Positive, high performing teams don't happen by accident. They are built by leaders and team members who reduce the negative and add a big dose of positive. When you subtract negativity and add positivity to your talent, the sky is the limit.

The great news is that you don’t have to be an Olympic champion with 28 medals to begin the process. You can be just like you and me. You can say enough with the negativity. Let's get positive. Let's get going.

NOTE: I'm about to start writing my next book based on this newsletter titled "The Power of a Positive Team." It's not about leadership. It's about teamwork and what makes great teams great. I want teams to read this book and understand what they have to do to be a great team. If you have an example of great teamwork that you think I should include in the book I would love to hear your suggestion. Feel free to email me at [email protected].

The best is yet to come!