The U.S. debt crisis, NFL settlement and other team sports.

• Author: Hall, Robert

"... a growing catalog of studies that pin the blame for an appalling share of preventable deaths on poor communication among doctors, patients and nurses ... ." --The New York Times, July 11,2011

THIS SUMMER THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE reached a 10-year agreement with the players union, and both sides seem to feel pretty good about the deal and about each other. The federal debt-ceiling and deficit reduction fiasco in Washington was pretty much disliked by all sides including the public. This all points to a very simple truth: In large things like the financial affairs of our country, to small things like professional sports teams or even serving customers, diverse teams that can work together is no small thing.

First some large things: Plunging confidence in our political leaders can impact the interest costs paid by our government, the value of the dollar and ultimately the rate at which our economy strengthens and jobs are created. If the leadership of the U.S. government--the president, Congress and heads of major government entities--were viewed as management of a major company, their stock would be taking a beating and stockholders would be looking to make change at the top. Oh wait, the cost of our debt, the value of our currency and confidence in our economy are taking a beating.

Certainly it is more complicated than just incompetent leaders because after all they represent a very divided citizenry. We can just look at the trouble in Greece and other European countries to see how consequential this can be. Whole groups of citizens have failed to stop blaming others and to make the sacrifice their circumstances now require. The result is an almost unleadable country. Those are the very times that leadership and effective teams are most needed. It is why Abraham Lincoln, who ultimately brought unity in the midst of civil war, is so revered.

Team communications

Team effectiveness can be life and death. The medical profession is beginning to focus on just how important communication and being a good team player are to better health outcomes. The research is clear: Often preventable deaths occur because of how medical teams communicate and interact. In the story referenced at the top of this page, two key issues discussed are doctors who too often bully nurses and those who do not listen to patients.

As our medical system has become larger, more complicated and diverse--the effective practice of medicine has become more of a team...