‘It’s the work you do off the field that counts when it’s game on’
When we think about high-performing teams, it’s tempting to measure success by what we see: the pitch-perfect presentation, the nailed deadline, the successful negotiation. But the real magic? It happens behind the scenes—off the field—long before the spotlight hits.
What’s going on right now?
What I observe is that leaders and teams are constantly in performance mode. Every week is game day. The pressure to deliver outcomes, meet targets, and impress stakeholders means we’re often sprinting from one task to the next without taking time to pause, reflect, or recalibrate. The paradox? In our push to stay ‘on’, we’re neglecting the very practices that build long-term capability—team cohesion, psychological safety, and shared leadership. We’re not training—we’re just playing. And it’s burning us out.
When it’s game on
Think of your team like a professional sports team. Game day might be when the crowd’s watching—but the real edge is forged in the quiet hours of training, strategy huddles, and trust-building. You win in the preparation, not just the performance.
The New Zealand All Blacks are more than just a rugby team—they’re a masterclass in culture. Their legacy isn’t built on natural talent alone, but on what they do off the field: honest post-game reflections, high-trust conversations, team rituals that reinforce connection and identity. They live by the mantra, “Better people make better All Blacks.” Imagine if our corporate teams embraced that same ethos.
The proof is in the pudding
Gallup’s research shows that teams that intentionally invest time in non-task-based connection see higher engagement and lower stress. Google’s Project Aristotle confirmed that psychological safety—a product of the unseen, off-the-agenda interactions—is the #1 predictor of team effectiveness.
What can I do ‘off the field’ with my team?
The “Off-the-Field” Team Performance Model
I use this model with many of the teams I work with. Just like elite sports teams, high-performing workplace teams thrive not just during “game time” but because of the work they put in before and after the spotlight. This simple model reframes how we think about team success:
Preparation
This is where the real groundwork happens. Before performance even begins, leaders and teams invest in:
Clarifying purpose and strategy
Building trust and relationships
Practicing skills and rehearsing together
Setting up clear norms and expectations
“You win in the preparation, not just the performance.”
Game Time
This is the delivery zone -meetings, pitches, deadlines, stakeholder engagement. Everything visible. The secret? When the preparation is solid, game day becomes smoother, more confident, and less stressful.
Reflection
Post-performance is where the gold lies. Think debrief, feedback loops, what worked/what didn’t, emotional processing, and shared learning.
High performing teams make reflection habitual, not occasional
They ask: ‘What did we learn? and How do we get better?’
This stage builds psychological safety and agility
"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision." – Muhammad Ali
5 Practical Ways to Use the “Off the Field” Team Performance Model
1. Schedule “Team Training Time” Weekly
Preparation phase
Don’t just prepare alone—prepare together. Block 45 minutes every week for the team to come together (outside of task updates) and focus on:
- Clarifying goals and roles for the week ahead
- Practicing difficult conversations or upcoming presentations
- Aligning on team norms, rituals, or mindset for the week
Think of it as the team’s weekly “locker room” talk before the game.
2. Use “Game Day Readiness” Check-ins Before Key Events
Bridging Preparation and Game Time
Before high-stakes meetings, pitches, or sprints, run a short 10-minute “readiness check.”
Ask:
- Are we aligned on our message?
- What’s our game plan?
- What could derail us?
This creates confidence and shared focus—and avoids last-minute scrambling.
3. Treat Key Meetings as Game Time – Not Just Admin
Game Time phase
Shift the mindset: meetings aren’t just updates—they’re performance moments.
Encourage teams to:
- Be intentional: “What outcome are we playing for?”
- Show up ready, not reactive
- Practice active support (backing each other up, like in sport)
This helps elevate the standard of everyday execution.
4. Run 15-Minute “Post-Match Reviews” After Milestones
Reflection phase
Immediately after a big delivery or event, run a quick, honest debrief:
- What worked well?
- What do we need to fix or do differently?
- How did we show up for each other?
These are not performance reviews—they’re growth moments. Keep them psychological-safe and blame-free.
Build a Team Learning Loop (Prep → Play → Reflect → Repeat)
Sustaining the full model
Make this cycle your team’s rhythm:
- Monday: Prep together
- Mid-week: Game time moments
- Friday: Reflect together (10-minute wrap-up)
Over time, this rhythm builds muscle memory, cohesion, and trust. Teams start to anticipate, support, and grow together—without needing a crisis to force improvement.
Final Tip:
Celebrate the “off-field” work just as much as results.
Prep, practice, debriefs, and relationship-building often go unacknowledged—but they’re where the real magic happens.
Team Coaching is a great way to support your team to good work ‘off the field’. Check out our brochure below or get in touch to discuss: jessica@intactteams.com