Antero Lehto has seen a lot of different teams while playing not only in the Korisliiga but also in Italy and Susijeng. He has also captained two teams. In the following, Lehto talks about his experiences in the SmoothTeam simulation with BC Nokia's Korisliiga team.

We got out of our comfort zone without discomfort

The SmoothTeam simulation was a really good starting point for the development of team chemistry. Everyone had to open their verbal coffins and we heard everyone.

I myself have been involved many times in various tests to help me understand my teammates. They have never achieved the same - we got to the level of team chemistry in the discussions. The big thing is that everyone had to step outside their comfort zone a little bit and share their own feelings. That's something that doesn't happen easily, especially in a foreign language. 

Even though we went outside our comfort zones, no one felt uncomfortable. Of course, the new is always exciting, but even afterwards, no one has ever said that it was an oppressive experience. The simulation did not force, but rather encouraged everyone to open their mouths and share their feelings. This was special about the simulation, it is not easy to get into these kinds of conversations.

It's really important for the development of the team that we talk about these things. I also think it was good that a person from outside the team came to talk to us about these things. It helped to release some of the tension.

Crossing language barriers needed

During the SmoothTeam simulation, several reinforcements asked the Finns to speak English without any unnecessary stress. The reinforcements have heard much worse English in their home countries and appreciate the fact that English is spoken. The praise for their language skills was a very positive message, especially for our younger players, and hopefully will lower the threshold to speak English in the future. I will talk more about team communication in this article.

The simulation is reflected in our exercises in discussions 

We have new young players, some of them American. The new ones may have been frustrated at times with the new things. What I see now is that, compared to the pre-simulation period, the players have been more receptive on average. We've had good training sessions since the simulation. We have very good guys in our team and they are easy to get along with. Now, after the simulation, there is even more dialogue, no finger pointing and monologue.

The shake-up of the simulation was good to get us to talk a bit about our own issues. It sped things up. It was a kick-start for the team to start getting deeper and discovering each other. After the simulation, there is a lower threshold to go and sit next to a stranger teammate. 

I can recommend the SmoothTeam simulation for teams and groups aiming for common results

Based on my experience, I can recommend the simulation to a wide range of teams, especially one that spends a lot of time together. When the aim is to pull together and do good things together, this helps. In addition to sports teams, simulation certainly works for sales organisations. 

Everyone opened up their thoughts and even the quieter and less active members of the team got a lot out of it. This is a good tool for that.

In all team play, communication and communication is key. It's easier to be in a team where these things work.

Antero Lehto
Captain
BC Nokia

If you want to know more about SmoothTeam simulations, you can find here information for sports teams simulations for sports teams and here for corporate teams for teams.