Why the Best Teams Run on Structure, Not Chaos
Some people think structure kills creativity. They say process slows things down. That the best teams operate on instinct, reacting in the moment.
That’s not how winning works.
Watch any elite sports team, and you’ll see it, structure everywhere. From how they prepare to how they play. Every match, every game plan, every play follows a process.
And the best part? It doesn’t hold them back, it makes them better.
The 5D Process: How Elite Teams (and Businesses) Stay Agile
Before an NFL game, the coaching team doesn’t just wing it. They follow a structure.
Discuss – Coaches meet to break down what’s ahead.
Discover – They analyse the opposition, review data, and assess tactics.
Decide – They lock in a game plan, finalise the team, and set expectations.
Design – They refine the strategy, design plays, and train the team.
Deliver – The players step onto the field, ready to execute.
But here’s the key - it doesn’t stop there.
On the sideline, the best teams are constantly cycling through the 5Ds again. They review plays, make adjustments, and stay agile. That’s how they adapt without falling into chaos.
Structure Creates Trust, Not Restriction
The best teams don’t ditch the playbook. They train, prepare, and execute within a clear structure. But within that structure, players have freedom.
Patrick Mahomes doesn’t walk onto the field clueless. He knows the formation, the plays, and the system. But when the moment comes, he makes the decision, because the structure allows him to.
The same applies to leadership.
If you don’t have a clear process, your team won’t know what’s expected.
If you over-control everything, they’ll hesitate instead of trusting their instincts.
The best teams play within a structure, but own their decisions.
Is Your Business Playing Like a Championship Team?
In business, structure isn’t there to slow you down. It’s there to align your team, create clarity, and enable agility.
Without a process to guide decision-making, you’re running a playground, not a team. The best coaches don’t just expect players to "figure it out", they train, plan, and execute to win.
So ask yourself: Is your company built for structure-driven success, or just reacting and hoping for the best?