Are you constantly trying to discover the secrets to great teambuilding? Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has built what some feel could be the greatest defensive unit in the history of college football.
In the October 10th edition of Sports Illustrated, Lars Anderson takes a look at what makes this unit so special and dominant. What he uncovered is something all leaders can learn from and apply to their specific areas of discipline.
Here are the keys to building a great team or unit:
- Leadership By Example - The speed of the leader determines the speed of the team. The people will also always be a picture of the leader. Saban sees coaching defense as his “life calling”. Courtney Upshaw adds that “everything we do starts with Coach Saban.”
- Strategic Adjustments – Great teams are constantly making adjustments because we operate in turbulent, unstable environments. The Crimson Tide defense is known for its halftime adjustments that limit opponents’ 2nd half opportunities.
- Acquire Talent – You simply cannot build a great team without talented people.  In the last four years, Rivals.com has ranked Alabama’s recruiting class the best in the country three times. During that span, 73 four or five-star athletes have signed with the Crimson Tide – most in the country.
- Acquire Talent The Can Produce – Charismatic leaders can attract great talent. However, it takes great leaders to get talented people to realize or exceed their talent. 7 of Alabama’s defensive starters are projected to be drafted in the 1st or 2nd round in April’s NFL Draft.
- Focus On Fundamentals – Great teams do the “little things” well. They take nothing for granted. Florida Gators running back Jeff Demps states, “Alabama tackles really well.” An unidentified offensive coordinator who faced the team added, “they are the most disciplined team, gap-sound team I’ve ever faced, which means they are never out of position.”
- Help Those On Your Team Build Their Personal Platforms – Safety Mark Barron chose to play for Alabama because he felt Coach Saban could best prepare him for the pros. Great teams are often a collection of individually talented people. Great leaders create opportunities to help those individuals realize their dreams.Â
- Intelligence Matters – Ideas, creativity, and high-mental capacity are critical elements to superior performance. Barron adds, “I talk to guys in the league who were my teammates, and they say what we do on defense is harder to learn than NFL schemes. I’m still learning new things.”
- Experience – Teams with high achievement have low turnover. Star LB Dont’a Hightower says, “The biggest difference in our defense this year from last is that we have experience. All of us know where we need to be.”
Leadership, Strategic Adjustments, Talent, Production, Fundamentals, Personal Platforms, Intelligence, and Experience.
Leaders, does your team have these eight qualities? If so, you may be building a great unit as well.
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