Sam Walker discusses researcher Karen Jehn's work in The Captain Class. He summarizes her observations that team conflict divides into two basic categories, relationship and task conflict. Relationship conflict, often based on anger, pettiness, and personal attacks is almost universally negative. Task conflict, disagreements about how to complete tasks is more likely neutral, with the exception of easily measured outcomes (finance, sports), where performance improved (about forty percent).
Walker cites two examples, Valeri Vasiliev and Philipp Lahm, captains of the 1980 Russian hockey team and recent German national soccer team. After the humiliating defeat to the US in Lake Placid in 1980, Vasiliev confronted his coach Viktor Tikhonov on the plane trip home, threatening to "throw him off the plane." The Russians went on to win or tie 96 percent of their games during the next four years as teammates rallied around Vasiliev. Lahm broke tradition and publicly questioned management's tactics, in essence suggesting "misfit toys" in personnel and strategy. The team responded to his censure and fine winning 9 of 10, four consecutive league titles, a Champions Cup and World Cup defeating Brazil.
It reminds me of Schumpeter's "creative destruction."
"Creative destruction refers to the incessant product and process innovation mechanism by which new production units replace outdated ones. This restructuring process permeates major aspects of macroeconomic performance, not only long-run growth but also economic fluctuations, structural adjustment and the functioning of factor markets. Over the long run, the process of creative destruction accounts for over 50 per cent of productivity growth."
Teams function best when working together with shared goals, sacrifice, and Anson Dorrance's "competitive fury." Dissent is inevitable within groups, but when channeled into improved process, it can enhance quality.
But our leadership shapes whether teams can "get on the same page," embrace roles, and overcome egocentric beliefs in favor of team play.
We have the power to transform group conflict into better processes affecting outcomes. In Blais' seminal book*, In These Girls Hope Is a Muscle, she describes how two elite high school players resolved their personal conflict to lead their team to a championship. But Blais also discussed sport and society. "This is just one team in one season, It alone cannot change the discrimination against girls and their bodies through out history. But here in these girls, hope is a muscle."
I believe the overarching determinant of a team's success is how leadership forges the combination of skill and will into shared sacrifice. The ability to overcome tactical and emotional pressure defines us. Understanding the game isn't enough; understanding individual and group needs and finding conflict resolution in roles and goals informs our success in teaching life skills.
*Mens Journal included "Hope Is a Muscle" in their 64 best sports books of all time...the story and prose are exceptional...
