What makes a winning team?

I have been thinking about this a lot lately for a variety of reasons; the success of Southland over Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup ( which I was personally thrilled about), the success of some of our school sports teams, the success of our recent ERO review highlighting the teamwork of the Board, the leadership and the staff of our school and the whole notion of being a team player at Waimataitai. I, of course mean winning team in the broadest sense, that of a team that is successful and achieves the result they are looking for. I think the key to it all is having everyone working together for the same outcome, on the same page, all wanting the same thing and knowing what their role is in supporting people to achieve this outcome. I think we try really hard with this at Waimataitai, I guess that is why I believe that student led learning conferences are an essential part of the team work that needs to happen at our school. What I struggle to understand is when parents think these are only worthwhile to them if the child isn't there. I can't think of anything more undermining than having adults talking about my learning when I am not in the room to have input. I find it particularly hard to understand why parents wouldn't want to be there to hear how it is for both their child and the teacher and how we can all work together to achieve something. I guess it would be like having the team talk without the team. If nothing else student led conferences are a time for students to have their time in the sun and show their parents how well they are doing and what their next steps are. It must be really disappointing for students not to have this opportunity and it must be really hard for them to understand why when everyone else is doing it they are not. I guess being part of a winning team is about focusing on what is important, working together to achieve this and having everyone on the same page ( or team). Research strongly indicates the children whose parents who are actively involved and take an interest in their child's education or any involvements are more successful. So what makes a winning team - being there.