How do I build a cohesive team?

If you don’t know me, I’m Brian Smith.

As Head Wrestling Coach at Mizzou, I’ve spent years building a program around more than just talent. These athletes are some of the greatest men I know. They’re full of integrity, discipline, and grit.

“Are you livin’ it?” is a question I ask my athletes almost every day. It’s about living out Tiger Style, and more importantly, living a life you’re proud of.

Today, I want to discuss one big culture question and let you in on where I’ve been. 

Let’s get into it. 

FROM GOOD TO GREAT

How do I get my team to work together?

In other words, how do I build team chemistry?

As a part of the team, every wrestler has to do their job to elevate everyone else, not just themselves. Otherwise, even the best wrestler on the team can be detrimental to the team’s overall performance. 

I always ask my recruits about their team and their role within the team. I’m looking for enthusiasm, enjoyment in helping their teammates succeed, and a collaborative spirit. 

Competition without a collaborative spirit is destructive to a team. The two must go hand in hand. 

That’s as true in sports as it is in business. Success comes from driven individuals who are willing to work together and support one another. I recall Keegan O’Toole, a two-time national champion, now on my coaching staff. During his senior year in high school, he was more excited about his teammates’ success than his own.

I witnessed this at the semifinal round of his state tournament where he was competing for his fourth state title. He was pinning his opponent but was watching another match. The ref kept trying to raise his hand after he won, but he pulled away to run and watch his teammate win an upset in the semifinal round. That kind of selflessness and team spirit are intangible qualities that elevate an entire program.

It also shows you that Keegan was good enough to take his eye off the mat and still win State — we made sure he didn’t do this at Mizzou. 

Not long after becoming head coach at Missouri, I was asked to give a speech to 400 high school wrestling coaches. I had very little experience with public speaking at that point, but I did my best. I thought my speech went well, but afterward, the emcee came up to me and handed me a book called How to be a Better Public Speaker. I got the hint. I needed to improve.

Instead of walking away feeling dejected, I took his recommendation to heart and began studying public speaking techniques and analyzing speeches, and volunteering to speak at many different functions to become a better communicator.

Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where everyone strives to be their best, supports one another, and continually seeks improvement.

Now I speak all around the country sharing the impact of Tiger Style. If it wasn’t for that emcee, I may not have taken the steps to improve enough to keep speaking. 

So here are the three major takeaways for building team chemistry:

1. Start from the beginning: recruit people who understand their role as a teammate

2. Constant team-building exercises: reinforce the value of collaboration until it’s a habit

3. Stories:  Tell stories that help people understand what the expectations are and guide the behavior of the people in your organization.

OFF THE MAT

I’ve mentioned that I’ve been speaking around the state and the country - I love getting to share the vision of Tiger Style and how it can impact an organization.

If you’d like me to come speak to your company or at an event, feel free to reach out on my website:

Thanks for tuning in.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn or respond to this email. I’d love to hear from you.

— Coach Smith