In today’s fast-paced world, no one can succeed alone. Businesses are racing against time, technology, and competition, and while individual talent is essential, it’s the collective strength of a team that truly drives success.
Just as in the world of sports, where teamwork can make or break a season, businesses thrive when leaders invest in building cohesive, high-performing teams.
What can we learn from the best of the best? Let’s dig in into the best practices of two great sport coaches/managers, who also train the (current champion winning teams, Boston Celtics (in basketball) and Manchester City (in football).
But why is teamwork so essential in both arenas? Why Teamwork Matters More Than Ever
In both business and sports, the complexity of challenges is increasing.
No matter how skilled or brilliant one person is, their ability to solve problems, innovate, or respond to rapid change is limited without the input and support of others.
A strong team allows for a diversity of perspectives, quicker problem-solving, and, perhaps most importantly, resilience under pressure. The strength of a united group, each member bringing their best to a shared goal, far surpasses that of any single individual.
Business leaders, much like sports coaches, must understand that their role is to foster the kind of environment where cooperation thrives, trust is built, and every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique strengths.
Lessons from Sports: Joe Mazzulla and Pep Guardiola’s Approaches to Team Dynamics
1. Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics: Building Trust and Accountability
Joe Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, exemplifies the importance of trust and accountability within a team.
In basketball, as in business, every second counts, and success depends on seamless collaboration.
Mazzulla’s coaching emphasizes creating an atmosphere where players trust one another to perform at their best and hold each other accountable for their roles.
Business Takeaway:
For leaders, this means fostering a culture of open communication and shared responsibility. Teams perform better when each member feels accountable not only to their leader but to one another.
Mazzulla often talks about “empowering players to make decisions”—something that business leaders can adopt by encouraging employees to take ownership of their work, trust their teammates, and hold each other to high standards without fear of failure.
How to Apply It:
- Empower decision-making at every level of the organization.
- Encourage open feedback loops where team members can hold one another accountable in a supportive way.
- Foster a culture where trust is built through shared responsibility, rather than top-down management.
2. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City: Fostering Adaptability and Creativity
Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s success, is known for his innovative strategies and the flexibility he demands from his players.
Guardiola has a unique approach to teamwork: while he emphasizes strict tactical discipline, he also allows players the freedom to express themselves creatively within the system.
This balance of structure and flexibility enables teams to adapt quickly to different challenges and opponents—something that’s critical in business as well.
Business Takeaway:
Teams must be able to operate within a structured framework while still having the freedom to innovate.
For business leaders, this means setting clear goals and providing the resources and support necessary for success, while also giving employees the autonomy to find creative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances.
How to Apply It:
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration to inspire creative problem-solving from different perspectives.
- Allow flexibility within a framework, giving team members the space to innovate while staying aligned with overall objectives.
- Foster an environment where adaptability is seen as a strength, enabling the team to respond quickly and creatively to new challenges.
You can find additional 10 practices from Guardiola’s leadership playbook here.
What Can Business Leaders Learn?
Both Mazzulla and Guardiola’s success is rooted in their ability to create environments where every team member knows their role, feels valued, and is empowered to contribute fully.
Business leaders can adopt several key practices from these approaches:
- Clear Vision and Shared Goals: Successful teams understand the bigger picture. Like sports teams rally around winning championships, business teams need a clear and compelling goal that everyone is working toward.
- Trust and Communication: Trust is foundational. Whether it’s players on a court or employees in an office, trust allows for honest communication, greater risk-taking, and shared accountability.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: In a fast-paced environment, the ability to pivot is critical. Leaders need to create a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and team members feel safe to try new things—even if they fail.
- Celebrate Small Wins: In sports, every victory—no matter how small—boosts morale and strengthens the team’s bond. Business leaders should celebrate incremental achievements to keep the momentum going.
The How: Implementing These Practices in Business
Bringing these ideas to life in a business setting requires intention and consistency.
Here’s how leaders can begin:
- Regular Team Check-Ins: Hold weekly or bi-weekly meetings that focus not just on progress but also on how the team is functioning. This keeps communication flowing and ensures everyone feels supported.
- Encourage Peer-to-Peer Accountability: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable holding one another accountable. This can be done by implementing peer reviews or team-led performance assessments.
- Promote Innovation within Structure: Much like Guardiola gives his players room to be creative on the field, leaders should set clear guidelines but give their teams the freedom to explore innovative solutions to problems.
- Invest in Team Building: Regular team-building activities, both in and out of the office, can strengthen bonds. Whether through workshops, retreats, or even casual outings, these moments help to build trust and camaraderie.
Conclusion: The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts
The pace of change isn’t slowing down. Businesses need strong teams, not just strong individuals, to keep up with the challenges of a dynamic marketplace. Just like in sports, where teamwork turns talented players into champions, business leaders must prioritize creating a culture of cooperation, trust, and adaptability.
When each person on the team is valued for their contribution and empowered to take ownership, the entire organization thrives. Let’s learn from the best in sports and take our teamwork to the next level. After all, the strength of a team is far greater than the sum of its parts.
This article can serve as an inspiring piece to not only motivate your readers but also provide them with practical strategies from the world of sports that they can implement in their teams.
Mag. Janez Žezlina
Potentialog
Energos Ltd.
E: janez.zezlina@ecg.si
