Kevin Baker
November 29, 2023
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At OneBot, we’ve tried to create an approach to structuring and working as a team that is as reliable, replicable and, of course, as successful as possible. Our inspiration? Sports teams.
Being part of and witnessing the evolution of OneBot and its teams has been a privilege and a challenge in near equal measure. What we’ve tried to create strongly resembles Netflix’s team building philosophy, which in turn is based on the structures and practices of major successful sports teams from around the world. Drawing on this example and our own personal experiences playing competitive sports, it’s clear that togetherness and a strong team cohesion is key to success.
From football and rugby to volleyball and cricket, the dynamics within a team can truly shape its destiny. Emulating professional sports teams is foundational to OneBot's approach. From the briefings before a match, to the evaluation of performance and communicating on the field, there’s much to learn from the way that competitive sports teams run their operations to achieve consistent agility and competitiveness.
Netflix's team philosophy resonates deeply with this ethos: "We model ourselves on being a professional sports team, not a family...". You can read more about Netflix and their approach to team building, management and more here: https://jobs.netflix.com/culture
In roles across OneBot, the essence of togetherness within our teams stands as a significant driver of success, echoing Netflix's perspective on the power of unity in achieving greatness. Ensuring that team members are aware of and believe in the direction of the business is key in creating an atmosphere in which employees feel valued and objectives are understood.
1. Nurturing Talent: Our commitment to employee development goes beyond professional learning; we invest in nurturing talent internally, ensuring a bright future while collaborating with life coaches to ensure all employees feel supported and empowered to find the healthiest and most effective ways to work.
2. The Power of Unity: Just as a sports team gains strength through teamwork, our unity amplifies our collective power - it's not solely about individual skills but how effectively we function as a cohesive unit. That’s why we prioritise open communication and discourage overly pushy individual targets. Sharing our successes and learning points makes for a more unified team.
3. Embracing Change: Acknowledging the inevitability of change, we remain adaptable in our dynamic industry, fostering a culture of continuous learning to meet evolving challenges. Our approach is clear – change should be seen as an opportunity for innovation and growth, rather than for fear and obsolescence. On a practical front, we keep our teams small and connected; allowing for quick and efficient communication, decision making and action.
4. Managerial Leadership: At OneBot, our managers play a pivotal role in cultivating excellence, collaboration, and personal growth among team members, fostering a culture of high performance. We equip our managers with the tools they need to develop progressive and open leadership styles, and to foster a culture of togetherness in our work.
Informed by experiences in sport, our team-building principles significantly contribute to OneBot's success. Our dedication to a performance-centric culture, mutual care, adaptability, and managerial responsibility reflects our ongoing achievements.
We understand that togetherness is vital for success, just like in sports. Our team's unity empowers us to tackle challenges collectively and drive our company towards sustained success. We believe in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of togetherness, which enables us to become exceptional teammates. By working together, we continuously push boundaries to achieve even greater things.
