In a article written for The Wall Street Journal, “Deflategate Masks the Many Virtues of Belichick” (January 31, 2015), Christopher Caldwell asserts, “Forget the football-deflation scandal: the Patriots’ head coach is one of the best ever.” Caldwell and most others realize that an inconoclast can be one of the best coaches ever. When concluding his article, Caldwell makes a more important point that I think has direct and compelling relevance to today’s business world.

“Those who say that you can’t argue with success are wrong. Last week showed that a lot of people can’t stand Mr. Belichick and the Patriots. Perhaps that is because the Patriots’ success disproves certain treasured clichés. We tend to believe that individual flourishing leads to organizational excellence. Mr. Belichick believes the opposite.

“As games get more important during the season, teams built around teamwork improve. Teams built around talent wear out. That is why Bill Belichick is once again working during Super Bowl week, after 30 of his 31 coaching rivals have gone home.”

Years ago, someone asked Bernard Baruch why he made so much money with his Wall Street investments when most others hadn’t. “I always sold too soon.” Year after year, The New England Patriots release players (e.g. Wes Welker) who still have a few productive years ahead of them. Stars come and go. The focus has always been — and always will be — on strengthening the team. So must all other organizations and those who lead them.

Which was the last NFL team to win back-to-back Super Bowls? The New England Patriots.

Which NFL team has won more conference championships than any other? Same answer.

As is also true in today’s global marketplace, teams built around teamwork improve. Teams built around talent wear out.