Building High-Performance Teams: Lessons Learned From The NFL Draft

By Michael Smyth, Division President and Corporate VP, Life Sciences Solutions at TransPerfect

Another draft season has come and gone, and every year I relive the thrill and wonder surrounding these athletes as they are chosen to hopefully help an NFL organization perform at the highest possible level. Each Spring I find myself noticing how the draft mindset expands beyond the NFL, and into organizations like our own—building teams that believe in fellow teammates and who stay calm in the face of adversity are goals to which all leaders strive.

As companies looking to maximize our investments in time, effort, and expense, free agents in our respective industries are very appealing on paper. They are battle-tested and have references to validate proven histories of performance. Picking up an elite free agent can be like capturing lightning in a bottle. However, the free agent isn’t going to guarantee performance simply based on their historical performance. Does their style of play really mesh with your team? Are they a team player or all about their own person stats? Are they always looking for the party after practice or are they focused on the common goal of the organization, putting in the hard work and practice both on and off the field? Are they a leader in the locker room and do they inspire others and create an atmosphere of team work? The talented free agent can be as destructive as they are productive, especially considering the investment to sign them. A bad choice can lead to a long season.