Team Culture: Your Hidden Keel for Unstoppable Victory

A great team culture is much like the famed “winged keel” that propelled Australia to victory in the America’s Cup in 1983.

The America’s Cup was considered unwinnable. Held every 3-4 years against all international comers, America had a stranglehold on the race having never lost it since its inception in 1851. It was the longest winning streak in sports history.

Along came Australia II, led by unconventional yacht-designer Ben Lexcen, steely skipper John Bertrand, and flamboyant WA entrepreneur, Alan Bond.

The Australians held the psychological edge, touting their winged keel but never allowing anyone else to see it. They easily beat all rival international crews winning an unprecedented 47 out of 53 challenger races.

Australia II then lined-up against the American defender, Liberty, skippered by Dennis Conner. In the best of seven races, Australia II was 1–3 down after the first four races but went on to win the contest in dramatic fashion, 4–3.

On the evening of the win, Australia II was hauled out of the water, allowing the public a first-ever peek of its revolutionary keel.

Let your team culture be your hidden keel, your secret competitive advantage. The whole world should hear about it, but no outsider should be permitted to see it – at least not until the race has been won.