The Model of Sustainable Success
New England Patriots Case Study: The Model of Sustainable Success
Success is hard to achieve and harder to maintain. Many of us are fueled by overcoming obstacles and challenges once we reach those goals we lose motivation. In addition, as individuals prove that they are capable of performing at a higher level, they often look for another opportunity that enables them to reach new levels.
The New England Patriots are an interesting case study in how to build a sustainable organization. I’ll be honest, I’m not a Patriots fan but I have come to respect them. Last year they lost the cornerstone of their team, with very little time for a contingency plan and they ended the season with a 7-9 record. Compare that to the Indianapolis Colts who only won 1 game the year after losing their franchise quarterback.
As I look at their success, I see five key factors that have been critical to their long-term success:
Individual Commitment
The team doesn’t always have the best talent, but they expect to win. They foster an environment of teamwork and sacrifice to accomplish the goal. Lack of individual “buy in” is one of the most common overlooked issues we see in organizations.
Inter-changeable Players
While some players have a very specialized role, others are encouraged to fill multiple roles; like a tight end getting carries at running back or Mike Vrabel switching from linebacker to tight end to catch a touchdown pass in the super bowl. Recruiting adaptable team members is an asset to combat employee turnover and ambiguity.
Diamonds in the Rough
They recognize talent. Whether adding a rugby player to play special teams or seeing the potential in a 6th round quarterback, they look at talent differently. Look at potential over experience when evaluating candidates. What will these employee look like in the next 3-5 years?
Gambling on Talent
The organization is not afraid to add a player that other teams pass on. They believe in their system and culture and take chances on players others avoid.
Cutting Their Losses
When taking a risk on a player of uncertainty, they complete a short evaluation and cut their losses quickly instead of risking a deterioration of culture.
The NFL is a business, and there is a lot we can learn from the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick. People are the route of success, and lack thereof. Making great people decisions will help you build a strong team and make strides towards your goals.
In almost every business setting, organizations with the best talent will be successful. However, in our experience very few organizations have figured out how to build a strong team that achieves sustainable success. Consider how your team could take some of the lessons used by the Patriots.
If you aren’t sure where to start or need help fine-tuning your team, give us a call.
