Our illustration vividly demonstrates how the same “reality” can be perceived and interpreted in completely different ways. These differences in perception often lead to misunderstandings, which in turn result in conflicts. To avoid and overcome these challenges, teams need shared goals, acceptance of different perspectives, and critical self-reflection. This creates understanding, trust, and ultimately, success within the team.
As a young coach, my younger brother Beat—a talented middle-distance runner—joined my training group. Despite his potential, I struggled to coach him to peak performance. He didn’t understand me as a coach, and I didn’t understand him as an athlete.
Later in my career, my first boss was Res Brügger, the director of the Weltklasse Zürich athletics meeting – an influential figure in international athletics. He mentored me for eight years, and I will always remain grateful to him. However, when it came to transitioning from his deputy to his successor, we clashed. Even though we had documented our agreement in writing, we each interpreted it differently. Frustrated and disappointed, I quit my job.
These experiences taught me early on how destructive misunderstandings can be – leading to frustration, conflicts, and missed opportunities. Over time, I learned how to avoid such situations. Three key insights helped me navigate these challenges.
As an athlete, my brother had completely different goals than I did as a coach. While I focused on performance and success, he cared more about having fun and making friends. Had we openly discussed and mutually accepted our goals, we could have avoided much frustration.
Within a team, it is crucial that everyone understands and supports the shared objectives – even if personal interests differ slightly. Without a common understanding, achieving peak performance becomes nearly impossible.
Every individual sees the world through their own unique lens, shaped by experience, knowledge, needs, and responsibilities.
My mentor, Res Brügger, and I had different perspectives on what it meant to be “ready” for the role of Meeting Director. I believed that technical expertise and leadership skills were enough. Res, on the other hand, thought that true readiness required years of hands-on experience in all relevant areas. This difference in perception ultimately led to our falling out.
However, eight years after my resignation, something remarkable happened: Res invited me back to Weltklasse Zürich as Meeting Director. Our perspectives had either aligned over time, or we had simply learned to understand each other better.
Looking back, I often wondered: Was I truly ready for that job? Like many people, I sometimes overestimate my own abilities.
Studies show that 95% of teachers rate their teaching abilities as above average—which is mathematically impossible! Another study with one million students found that 70% believed their performance was above average, even though, by definition, only 50% could be.
To stay grounded, it is important – even as a leader – to regularly question your own self-assessment and align it with team feedback.
Successful teams thrive on mutual understanding. Three key factors make the difference:
The Mission Team Workshop helps you apply these three success factors effectively within your team. This fosters understanding, trust, and sustainable success—regardless of hierarchy or position.
Turn your team into a strong, well-coordinated unit with Mission Team!
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