Bad Boss

8 REFLECT: on outcomes

When you watch a sports team on the field, in the water or in whatever other domain they are performing, it's easy to see when they are in sync — connected, cohesive and collaborating as a team — and when they are disconnected, disorganised and dysfunctional.

When you analyse what makes them strong, it's unlikely that terms such as vulnerability, mindfulness and gratitude will top your list. Yet some teams are now starting to embrace these ideas as part of their coaching regime.

Here's a perfect example.

For Australian Football League (AFL) team the Richmond Football Club (known as the Tigers), 2016 was a disastrous year. They won only eight games (with 14 losses), which was a marked decline from 2015 when they won 15 games (with seven losses). Commentators faulted them for lacking form and substance, and there was much speculation around changes of coach, captain and line-up.

Embracing the work of Dr Brené Brown, the club built leadership and team practices that made it safe for the team to share, care and connect at a deeper level. For example, from early in the pre-season the club ran ‘Hardship, Highlight, Hero' (HHH) sessions. In these group conversations each team member took a turn at sharing something highly personal to them — a story about a hero, hardship or highlight drawn from their own life.

During these sessions the club's coach, Damien Hardwick, shared a personal story, to be followed by the captain, Trent Cotchin, and other senior leaders. ...