Welcome back to DeathJester’s Dojo. This week I’m taking a break on Deck Building Theory and I will cover a topic that I feel everyone is curious about: Teams. I will give you a plethora of tips on how to build a successful team, so read carefully. 

The History 

In the last year, we’ve witnessed a massive rise in the number of teams in the YGO tournament scene. Ever since Team Comic Odyssey stormed the country winning tournament after tournament many others have tried to imitate their methods in attempts of attaining the same level of success that they achieved. Unfortunately many have tried and failed; torn apart by jealously, delusions of grandeur, arrogance, and greed. Forming a team is not about fame and fortune; it’s about hard work and determination to achieve a realistic goal. 

I have been subject to the above afflictions that have destroyed the infrastructure of hundreds of would-be teams. As many of you may recall, I was associated with the former Team Fire & Ice. What happened to us? Well, certain members decided they would let their greed, jealousy, and arrogance get the best of them at Nationals.  

Having been a victim of “team destruction” I decided to find the cause of my team’s demise; I needed answers. I knew that there had to be a fundamental flaw somewhere: Lack of communication, poor planning, lack of skill, lack of compassion, or something. I struggled with the questions and found no answers. Knowing I was leading myself on a wild goose chase, I just let the issue go. I found it better to focus more on real-life than a hopeless social issue. I’ve barely spoken to any of my former team members for about 3 months now. My team has been apart for 7 months. 

A Solution! 

Some time after I stopped talking to my former teammates I switched from the University of Central Florida and decided to enroll in ITT Technical Institute. While attending ITT I stumbled upon the answers to my long-forgotten questions 7 weeks into the course in my textbook. I had always known there was a practical explanation to my dilemma; being a man of reason and analytical thinking. I found out about a book called The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. This book describes five negative characteristics of dysfunctions of teams that lead to ineffective results. These are: 

·        Absence of trust

·        Fear of conflict

·        Lack of communication

·        Avoidance of accountability

·        Inattention to results 

I learned that these characteristics do not occur by themselves, but they are interrelated with one leading to another. 

Absence of Trust 

Let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s extremely hard to trust other people. Lack of trust is the most common cause of team annihilation. An effective way to build trust within your team is to create opportunities for you and your team to get to know each other. In other words, go out and do something else besides playing YGO. If you are only friends with someone because they play YGO then you are not really their friend. Knowing someone personally outside of the game will generate a greater level trust. 

Fear of Conflict  

Most people think that fear of conflict is irrelevant especially if team members argue often; this is not the case. Often these arguments are caused indirectly by not actually “arguing” about the real problems for fear of conflict. Confusing? Yes it is. In order to effectively eliminate the fear of conflict with your team members, you, as a team leader should encourage your team members not to take criticism as personal attacks. A lot of YGO players take criticism a bit too personal when it comes to their card/deck choices. Lighten up boys and girls, please.

As a Team Leader you should allow conflict to be worked out. Do not push disagreements under the rug. Play as the “devil’s advocate” if you need to. This will help team members become comfortable with raising opposing viewpoints and discussing them.  

Lack of Communication 

Some Team Leaders have a problem with communication. Sometimes they do not make things their intentions clear nor do they properly display their rationale for their decisions. Be decisive. Make a decision and stick with it. DO NOT be afraid of conflict. Resolve your issues. DO NOT be afraid to make mistakes. Treat your mistakes as a learning experience, and grow from that. No leader is perfect, but good leaders learn quickly from their mistakes.  

Avoidance of Accountability 

This is for those team members that have a nasty habit of being lazy. Make sure your team members are where they are supposed to be and doing what they are supposed to be doing. Always provide a clear and concise structure for your action plans and ensure that each member’s individual responsibilities are clearly understood.  

Inattention to Results 

This dysfunction refers to team growth. Make sure you have regular status meetings or a regular mailing list where you review individual progress. You can also use these methods when your team is deliberating on a metagame-breaking idea. When your team makes progress, be sure to reward the blokes for their effort. Take them out for pizza, take a trip, buy them a couple drinks, etc. This encourages further progress in whatever you have planned. 

Effective Teams 

Strong teams display these positive characteristics, having overcome any negative dynamics: 

• They trust one another
• The engage in free and open discussion around ideas and they are not afraid of conflict
• They commit to decisions and plans of action
• They hold themselves accountable for delivering against the plan
• They focus on the achievement of collective results

Personal Reflection 

I recommend that every member on your team invest some time on personal reflection by asking themselves these questions: 

• Do you trust other team members?
• What would it take for you to develop deeper trust with your teammates?
• Are you holding back on expressing your views on a particular topic during team discussions?
• Are you honest about your feelings and views?
• Are you committed to decisions made by the team?
• What would help you make that commitment?
• Are you following through on your commitments? Are you holding others to the same standard?
• Are you focused on the team’s results or on your own personal performance?

More Questions 

Here are some questions that will help you get your attitude straight. Sometimes, you may have ulterior motives. Usually these ulterior motives are never correctly dealt with because of denial. Ask yourself: 

• Do you play for the love of the game?
• Are you using your team to bolster your status as an individual in the YGO community?
• Do you only care about winning?
• Are you ignorant and intolerant of other people’s ideas?
• Do you belittle your teammates for making mistakes?
• Do you belittle your opponents?
• Do you behave like a dignified human being at events?
• Do you embarrass yourself and your team by being obnoxious and senseless?
• Do you cheat?
• Are you caught up in the “fame game”?
• Do you “flame” others in online message boards?
• Do you think that you are the best player in the world?
• Do you find yourself thinking that you are above others?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, I would suggest that you get your attitude straightened up. 

The Financial Aspect 

Of course what is a successful YGO team without appropriate financial management? Every team leader or manager should always carefully consider the financial ramifications of their decisions. YGO teams cost money and require the collaborative effort of every member. If you are a team that plans to travel, make sure that you properly assess the costs of your trips which include:  

• Hotel
• Food
• Car Rental
• Event Admission
• Convention Admission
• Plane Tickets
• Gas Money
• Emergency Money
• Deck Sleeves
• Deck Boxes
• Individual Cards
• Recruitment
• Rewards
• Prize Distribution
• Etc.

Recruitment 

Recruiting new team members is an arduous task. Sometimes you make the mistake of recruiting a total jerk or an anti social weirdo. It happens to all of us. Everyone wants the best players, the best attitudes, the best deck builders, and the best leaders. However, you should be realistic and realize that the “best” team members are molded to be the “best.” They don’t start out that way. An effective team exercises a commitment towards team member growth and effective recruitment techniques. Here a couple guidelines to help you recruit the right type of players: 

• Recruit those who are willing to learn (This is important!)
• Recruit those who draw intelligent conclusions from experience
• Recruit those who take any criticism and use it constructively
• Recruit those who are able to give constructive criticism
• Recruit those who are not concerned with their own arrogance and pride
• Recruit those who display a willingness to commit themselves towards the team’s goals
• Recruit those who are not in pursuit of fame
• Recruit those who learn from their mistakes
• Recruit those who commit themselves to excellence
• Recruit those who have a strong sense of self respect
• Recruit those who know how to mind their manners
• Recruit those who have a sense of dignity and respect the team’s reputation
• Recruit those who do not resort to cheating
• Recruit those who display sportsman-like conduct
• Recruit those who do not belittle others for whatever reason
• Recruit those who try their best, even if their best is not enough to win
• Recruit those who know the difference between a game and real-life
• Recruit those who show a strong sense of responsibility
• Recruit those who are not afraid to speak their mind about any issues
• And finally, recruit those who know how to have fun with the game

These are good guidelines to go by when you decide to recruit new member or form a team. Do not exclude anyone if they do not meet all of the criteria; remember that anyone you choose to be a part of your team can learn to be a productive member of your team.  

Closing Remarks 

• Successful teams are made through hard work and a commitment to team harmony and progress. Every team has the potential for success if they take care not to fall prey to the five dysfunctions of a team.
• If you are curious about the dynamics of teams go out and read The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
• If you are curious about self improvement and how to make progress via personal development read Psycho Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz.
• I would like to thank my friend Jared Mariash from Winnipeg, Canada for inspiring me to write an article about team dynamics.

Until next time, remember to stay focused, respect others, and most importantly…have fun!

Email me at deathjester86@gmail.com.