King Arthur: 8 lessons in a nutshell

During the past 8 chapters, I discussed some of the lessons on teambuilding that the story of King Arthur teaches us. Sure, it is nice to know that there are plenty of other great lessons to discuss. But as is often the case, it is only possible to understand some of them, at least to understand them well enough to be able to put them into practice. Therefore, I will summarize the previous 8 lessons in this chapter. I hope that this will enable you to choose which lessons seem – at the moment – most worthwhile to implement.

1. How to train a team leader

Some of the necessary virtues:

• Father/motherhood
• A healthy self-consciousness
• Discipline and trustworthiness
• Courage and servitude
• Wisdom and integrity 

Some of the necessary competences:

• A cooperative spirit
• Communication
• Conflict handling
• Coaching
• Project management 

2. How to install a team leader

Training in:

• Character
• Competences
• Identity 

Training by:

• Challenges
• Mentors
• Victories and crises 

A clear start:

• Recommendations
• A fair and transparent process
• A clear instalment

3. The first 100 days

• Resolve old feuds
• Make sure everyone finds their unique place within the team
• Create a Camelot (home)
• Do not postpone the ‘Power struggle’
• Clearly express your commitment
• Develop strategic partnerships outside of your team
• Create a sense of unity within your team

4. Excalibur, the central instrument

Wisdom:

• Define your core values using Co-Essentials: 2 essential parts of 1 bigger truth

Trust:

• In yourself
• In your team members
• Of the team members in you
• Of the team members in each other
• In the mission of the team

5. How to stay healthy and successful?

• Inspiring relations
• Character training
• Mastery

6. The Round Table of equal partners

• Everyone has their own unique and yet equal place
• The team leader is a primus inter pares
• Everybody lays down their ‘swords’ on the table (handing over their power to the greater good)
• Everyone makes a clear and outspoken commitment towards the communal core values and the communal mission
• Everyone wears the same ring, which symbolizes their full ambassadorship

7. Camelot, a home for everyone

• Design (together with your team) your shared core values, norms, rituals, mission, vision and strategy
• Create symbols
• Organize tournaments

8. Merlin, the wise prophet

To remain innovative, successful and motivated as a team, you need a Merlin on your team:

• Who on your team could take on such a role?
• How could you introduce them in that capacity to the team?

Subtasks of such a Merlin:

• Role of the prophet
• Role of the strategist
• Role of the trainer/coach

Finally, some last tips:

• Start off with just one topic, focus on that element, and use all your discipline to implement and realize this one element. The success of one topic will motivate you to start working on further elements.
• Practise, practise, practise. By making something a daily habit, your brain will truly and permanently adopt the new competence or virtue. Repetition is the key!
• Find a sparring partner. About 80% of all people need a pal to learn something new. In short, find a colleague, friend or partner with whom you can kick off!
• Enjoy the process. Sustainable training also needs regular rewards! So be kind to yourself...