I really recommend reading the following article in a New Zealand online website www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/6195646/The-myth-of-team-culture .  It is well written and well though through.  At first read, the author is so convinced of his own view that you find yourself agreeing with him.  And even on the second or third read I did find myself wondering whether 360 degree feedback really is useful for team sports.

The ultimate issue I have with the article is that it falls for a classic "either or" structure.  In summary he says either you have sportsmen (forgive me following his male assumption!) taking responsibility on the field or you have people working to develop performance goals, team culture, or consider the mental side of the game.  He sees these as conflicting goals.  I believe you can have both.

It strikes me that regular performance reviews and regular feedback sessions (360 degree feedback in this context really is just having team feedback sessions I'd guess) are sensible parts of delivering a high performing team.  That underneath this process each team member is responsible for their own contribution and performance fits well with such work not against it.

So, while I sympathise with some of his general sentiments of overly pampered sports stars I don't subscribe to the argument that working on teamwork, having well defined goals, and working on the team culture works against high achievement.  

Clive Woodward's autobiography/book on England winning the World cup (Winning!) and the excellent book "Sacred Hoops" by Phil Jackson; coach of Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers show how great coaches and leaders balance team management, leadership and culture with letting great individuals thrive.

Brendan