Unstoppable Teams

Unstoppable Teams: The Secret Ingredient is Trust

The Washington Commanders celebrated their first playoff win in nearly 20 years late Sunday night in Tampa, Florida. But this wasn’t just any Cinderella story; it was a masterclass in trust-building.

While ESPN chronicled the Xs and Os behind their success, a deeper truth emerges from their story: trust isn't a luxury for great teams—it's a necessity. For business leaders, the Commanders’ turnaround offers a playbook for creating unstoppable teams. Let’s break it down.

1. Consistent Leadership: Set the Vision, Then Stick to It

When new owners took over the Commanders, their first move wasn’t a flashy signing or a gimmick—it was hiring a general manager and coach aligned with their vision. Consistent leadership gave the team a clear direction and allowed players to focus on their performance without second-guessing the organization’s intentions.

Takeaway for leaders: Your team needs to know where you’re heading. Lay out the vision, communicate it clearly, and follow through. Consistency builds trust like compound interest—it grows over time.

2. Open Communication: The Power of Listening

Coach Dan Quinn didn’t just bark orders; he created space for players to share their thoughts. Whether it was game strategies or locker room dynamics, player feedback became part of the decision-making process. The result? A team that felt valued, heard, and invested.

Business application: Regular one-on-one check-ins, open-door policies, and encouraging constructive feedback all show your team that you trust them—and they’ll trust you back. Pro tip: Start meetings with “What’s one thing we can do better as a team?”

3. Talent Acquisition: It’s About Character, Not Just Skills

The Commanders didn’t just chase talent; they sought leaders. Drafting a rookie quarterback was bold, but surrounding him with veterans who could mentor and set high standards was genius. This blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom transformed the locker room dynamic.

Lesson for leaders: Skills matter, but culture fit is just as important. Hire people who align with your values and can raise the bar for others. Bonus points if they have a sense of humor—every team needs a morale booster.

4. Culture Shift: Build It Daily

The Commanders held daily team meetings emphasizing energy, collaboration, and communication. These weren’t dull status updates; they were moments to inspire, connect, and build camaraderie.

Your move: Make team culture a daily priority, not a quarterly buzzword. Celebrate wins, address challenges openly, and inject some fun into the mix. (Yes, donuts in the break room count.)

5. Accountability: Everyone Pulls Their Weight

Veteran players led by example, showing younger teammates that excellence wasn’t optional. Accountability wasn’t just enforced; it was modeled, creating a ripple effect throughout the team.

Business insight: Trust grows when everyone pulls their weight. Set clear expectations, reward those who exceed them, and address underperformance promptly but empathetically.

6. Resilience and Adaptability: Trust Thrives in the Trenches

The Commanders faced their share of challenges, but they adjusted quickly and leaned on each other to weather tough moments. Knowing they had each other’s backs reinforced the bond between players.

For your team: Challenges are inevitable. Use them as opportunities to reinforce trust. When a mistake happens, ask, “What can we learn from this?” instead of “Who’s to blame?”

Trust is Built in the Little Moments

The Commanders didn’t just wake up one day as playoff contenders. They built trust day by day—through consistent leadership, open communication, and a culture of accountability. These principles apply just as much to the boardroom as they do to the locker room.

If you want your team to go from good to great, start with trust. Here’s your game plan:

1. Communicate openly and listen actively.

2. Be consistent in your leadership and actions.

3. Prioritize culture and hire for character, not just skills.

4. Address challenges with resilience and adaptability.

Great teams aren’t born—they’re built. Are you ready to build yours?

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