It was a young team of college amateurs facing seasoned professionals. The veterans had claimed six gold medals in the previous seven Winter Olympics and entered as clear favorites. Some were active military personnel, all trained in elite facilities. Yet, these fresh-faced kids pulled off one of sports' greatest upsets.
At the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the U.S. men's hockey team stunned the Soviet Union, securing the gold medal. In the final seconds, broadcaster Al Michaels famously asked, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" This "Miracle on Ice" etched itself into history.
Coach Herb Brooks built this improbable winner by leveraging individual strengths. Drawing from American college ranks, he harnessed the fierce East Coast-Midwest rivalries. He recruited players from both regions, united them toward one goal: Olympic gold. He trained them relentlessly, turning college rivals into brothers on the world stage. They didn't just meet expectations—they shattered them.
As a leadership expert with decades of experience guiding teams to success, I (John C. Maxwell) find profound joy not in personal wins, but in leading teams to collective triumph. No victory tastes sweeter than one that astonishes even the team itself.
Related: Tom Izzo on Inspiring Your Team
Here are four battle-tested strategies I've used to forge teams so aligned, equipped, and empowered they achieve the impossible:
1. Gather the right players.
A winning team demands strong members—true in business as in hockey. Brooks sought specific game skills. What traits do you need? Prioritize shared values aligning with your vision of success. Next, seek positive attitudes, harder to instill than skills. Optimistic, team-oriented players elevate everyone. Finally, vet backgrounds for reliability.
The emotion of guiding others to greatness far surpasses individual glory.
2. Position them to succeed.
Once assembled, assign roles to their strengths. Brooks placed each player in their optimal spot for maximum impact. As a leader, identify sweet spots and position people there to shine.
Related: The roadmap to great teamwork
3. Communicate the vision relentlessly.
Great players are ingredients; clear communication is the recipe. Cast the vision vividly—what does victory look like? Brooks kept "beat the Soviets" front and center, countering rival college agendas with unity. Overcome competing interests by reinforcing the shared purpose, sidelining egos for collective progress.
4. Equip them for peak performance.
Provide tools and training to conquer challenges. Brooks matched Soviet conditioning with grueling stamina drills beyond standard practice. Anticipate obstacles, supply resources, and repeat the vision to fuel perseverance.
Related: John C. Maxwell: How to Live Your Mission Statement
This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
