What startups can learn from the Sydney Swans

While I’m not a die-hard AFL fan (my son, a die-hard Sydney Swans fan, might question whether I’m even Australian!), I am a fan of exceptional leadership and a positive and inclusive culture. AFL clubs, especially at the elite level, are renowned for creating environments that support high performance, but what is often overlooked is the significant role that culture plays in achieving this performance.

The parallels between building a high-performance sports team and a successful startup are clearly similar. As CEO Shop SelectI have had the honor of leading many teams through challenging but rewarding journeys that have taught me how crucial culture is to success. So, as the AFL Grand Final approaches, I thought I’d reflect on the powerful lessons the sport has to offer off the pitch.

Sydney Swans: A case study in cultural transformation

I was fascinated by how much the cultural shift that transformed Swans could apply to the business world. For many years, the Sydney Swans were a team full of potential but rarely achieved greatness. This began to change when the club decided to take a look at its culture. Under the guidance of coach Paul Roos, the club introduced a leadership approach that changed its focus from individual brilliance to collective responsibility.

They adopted a shared leadership model in which responsibility did not rest on the shoulders of a single captain but was distributed among a broader group of leaders. This allowed each player to take responsibility for their contribution. Thanks to the initial leadership of Roos, the Cygnus culture i later execution was transformed. Over the past decade, they have become a high-performing team with a strong supportive culture that has not only led to success on the pitch, but has become a benchmark against which other clubs are judged.

So what does this have to do with start-ups? Well, just like AFL teams, start-ups need a strong, high-performance culture to succeed. Both require decisiveness, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to a common goal. For startups, a positive, mission-driven culture can be the difference between success and failure. With that in mind, here are the lessons startups can learn from Swannies’ success.

Empowering through shared leadership

The Swans team has moved to a leadership model that spreads responsibility across the team, allowing each player to take ownership. This is a great lesson for start-ups, especially in the dynamic, often chaotic first days, when resources are limited and everyone has to put in whatever effort they can.

During this time, founders and CEOs should strive to decentralize leadership so that everyone feels responsible for the company’s success. When team members are empowered to make decisions and make meaningful contributions, the startup benefits from a more engaged and motivated workforce that drives the company’s growth.

Building responsibility and mutual support

Like Swans, startups can build a culture of support and accountability that fuels personal and organizational growth. The swans didn’t just delegate responsibility; they have built a culture of responsibility rooted in trust and mutual respect. They held each other accountable, but in a constructive and positive way that reinforced personal responsibility without undermining team unity.

Startups can reflect this by creating an environment where feedback is a tool for growth rather than micromanagement. Encouraging a culture of open, constructive communication allows team members to push boundaries knowing they have the support of their peers. When accountability and support go hand in hand, startups create a high-performance environment that drives both individual and organizational success.

Developing connections and belonging

Another important lesson from Cygnus is the sense of bond they have built. Players are deeply committed to the club’s vision and have a strong sense of belonging, uniting players and improving their performance. In a startup, connecting to the mission is crucial, especially when the benefits of large salaries and benefits are often out of reach. What will motivate your team through the long hours and inevitable challenges is a shared belief in the company’s vision. Building this trust takes time, but it starts with transparency and open communication.

As a CEO or founder, you have a responsibility to ensure that every employee feels connected. If you demonstrate unwavering belief in the mission, demonstrate commitment to company goals, and encourage others to take risks and learn from mistakes, you will create an environment where innovation and high performance flourish. When team members understand the impact their work has on the world, they are willing to go the extra mile, not for the paycheck, but because they believe in the change the company is trying to create.

Supporting resilience and adaptability

Another important takeaway? The Swans didn’t win every game, but their supportive culture allowed them to remain resilient. Startups also face many challenges, whether they are funding issues, market changes, or product changes. However, with a strong, supportive culture, you can ensure that your team remains resilient and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

By creating an environment where failure is seen as part of the learning process, startups can encourage innovation and build the long-term adaptability necessary for success. A resilient startup culture gives your team the confidence to regroup, reposition and continue to perform in the face of changing market conditions.

What startups can learn from the AFL Grand Final

The Swannies’ cultural revolution has transformed them into one of the most consistent teams in the league, and start-ups can learn a lot from this journey. As with the Sydney Swans, a startup’s long-term success isn’t just about short-term success; it’s about building a culture that maintains high performance so you can:

• Attract and retain the best talent, even with limited financial resources.
• Make sure everyone is aligned with the company’s long-term vision, creating lasting success.
• Encourage discretionary efforts from team members who believe in the company’s mission.
• Build resilience by enabling your business to change, adapt and grow in the face of challenges.

As we prepare to watch the AFL Grand Final, let’s take time to reflect on the culture – both on and off the field.

As leaders, we must consciously shape the culture of our organizations. By building a strong, supportive and mission-driven culture, startups can not only achieve short-term goals, but lay the foundations for lasting success.

Like Sydney Swans, startups that invest in building a positive, supportive and mission-driven company culture will stand the test of time.

Never miss a story: sign up Smart Company free daily newsletter and find our best stories LinkedIn.