Table of contents
- Video
- Introduction
- Element #1: Proximity between management and players
- Element #2: The interdependence of youth and experience
- Element #3: Adversity has created a new DNA
- Element #4: Staying in the moment
- Element #5: Embracing all personality types
- In conclusion
Here's the interactive workshop for this article:
Introduction
There are so many parallels to be drawn between sport and business, and today we'd like to draw inspiration from the Canadiens' story to help you achieve better team results. What is it about a team that has endured so much adversity this season that has managed to build that esprit de corps and achieve the impossible - reaching the Stanley Cup Final? We're talking about a team that finished 18th overall and saw 9 new players join the core group. It was said that they were too small, too old, that Bergevin should be fired. Yet they achieved something that hadn't been done in 28 years, reaching the Stanley Cup Final!
What do the current edition of the Canadiens and their high-performance work teams have in common? A lot! Here are 5 things that can inspire you to get better team results from the Habs' playoff run.
Element #1: Proximity between management and players
With his hair blowing in the wind, Marc Bergevin jumps for joy and hugs his team's players. Have you ever seen a general manager or manager so close to his players or his team? At Hubu, we believe that for a team to be at its best, the leader up front must "love" his team. With his contagious enthusiasm and passion, Bergevin is an example of commitment to a common goal for coaches and players alike.
Everyone wins when you feel supported like this, the guys hold the sticks less tightly, the smiles are present and the team gains in confidence. As a result, players no longer play for their next contract or pay rise, but for the logo on their jersey. That's what makes it possible to excel as a team.
Element #2: The interdependence of youth and experience
"We are only as strong as our weakest link.
The Canadiens also stand out for the interdependence between youth and experience. The energy of the Caufield-Suzuki-Kotnaniemi rookies gives vitality to the veterans, and conversely, the calm of Price-Weber-Perry-Stall gives confidence to the youngsters. In our work teams, experienced people have know-how, interpersonal skills and experience, while newcomers have a thirst for learning, candor, creativity and energy.
This mix of youngsters and veterans becomes the key to passing on knowledge and experience. For example, on the center line, the veteran Staal (36) can give tips to the young Suzuki (21) and Kotkaniemi (20). This pairing or sharing between peers is mutually beneficial, and many teams could learn from it.
Element #3: Adversity has created a new DNA
The darkness experienced by the team this season has been an opportunity to define a DNA, an identity that mobilizes them and inspires them to keep going. Joel Edmundson recently said in a press conference, "You have to use adversity in a positive way, because it makes your team stronger in difficult times."
This adversity led to a change of coach. The change of coach at the start of the season created a new team DNA. Since succeeding Claude Julien, Dominique Ducharme has mobilized and engaged his players by repeating the phrase: "Shine your shoes and get ready to dance." Joel Edmundson added the following to his message on adversity: "Shine your shoes and get ready to dance. Now that we're here, our shoes are polished. So we're ready to play."
Asked what makes a good dancer at this stage of the season, Ducharme was blunt. "A player has to be able to get out his dance 'moves' without thinking about it too much. It has to become second nature. That's why we want to keep them clean." In conclusion, his message is getting through to the players, and he has succeeded in creating a new team DNA where everyone, whatever their role, has the common mission at heart.
Element #4: Staying in the moment
"Maybe they can beat us 9 times out of 10, but not tonight."
-Herb Brooks
For a player to be able to pull off his dance moves without thinking about them too much, he needs to possess one great athletic quality: being in the moment. The definition of being in the moment means being in touch with what's happening right now, without worrying about the future or thinking about the past. You must never anticipate, you must stay focused in the moment, whether you're winning or losing. An example of this is not getting too carried away when the series was 3-0 against Winnipeg. The guys didn't take anything for granted, stayed focused and managed to finish the series in 4 games.
Living fully in the present moment also means having a high level of intensity. It means being able to be intense in moments of work, but also in moments of rest and relaxation. In a world where we're increasingly connected, it's important to allow ourselves moments of disconnection when we're fully present for our personal sphere.
Element #5: Embracing all personality types
We all have different personalities, and we may naturally be drawn to people who are complementary to us or who have more affinity with us. Not everyone in a team will be equally liked. For example, for an extrovert, Carey Price's calmness after the victory that sent them to the Stanley Cup may frustrate him. He'll think, "Why isn't Carey more enthusiastic than that? Conversely, there will be colorful personalities, like PK Subban back in the day, who will "get on the nerves" of calmer personalities.
The important thing here is that these differences don't limit our ability to work as a team. We're not in the Canadiens' dressing room, but it doesn't seem that these differences affect team chemistry. Although there are different personality types, the guys embrace their differences and get results.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the ingredient that drives teams to collaborate and work together is the common goal. It's the clarity of why we do things. In the case of NHL teams, the common goal is to win the Stanley Cup. You could say that every player on every team wants to win the Stanley Cup. However, what sets the Habs apart this season is their organizational agility and ability to adapt to obstacles (injuries, COVID, coaching changes) and bounce back. In other words, to keep moving towards the common goal despite adversity.
It's also the mutual trust that has grown within the group. The team has become a safe bubble where I'm allowed to experiment and make mistakes. That's the element that encourages risk-taking. When there's mutual trust, I know I can attempt a pass, because I know my team-mate is there to support me at the back. All stakeholders are mobilized, regardless of their roles, they dance together and if a step is taken to the left, everyone goes to the left. This is the unifying element that distinguishes great teams. We hope this story will inspire you in your workplace.
"Hubu: Because We Are.
