Imagine you are at a nice restaurant, enjoying a meal, when the fire alarm goes off… Imagine the rush and panic and confusion on the faces of the people around you when smoke starts to come out of the kitchen… and then imagine an older woman two tables over, falling to the floor when she is struggling to move along with the crowd… What do you think you would hear people saying in that situation? More likely than not, there would be a few voices saying that “somebody should do … [Read more...]
Even in the Navy, It Takes a Team to Achieve Greatness
Individual success is a myth, because it takes a team to achieve greatness. Don’t agree? Consider the most well-known “individual sports” in our culture. Andy Roddick, by age 21, was ranked number one in the world, the youngest American to hold this rank since computer rankings began in 1973. But even though Roddick is well known as a singles player, his successes were not only the results of one man’s efforts. Roddick enjoyed a number of coaches, trainers, personal assistants, … [Read more...]
The Secret to Team Success is on a See-Saw
Do you remember playing on a see-saw when you were younger? The secret to enjoying team success is often found in orchestrating a similar transfer of weight - and the experience can be just as exhilarating (or as scary) for you as a coach or team leader as you watch the action and movement occur. The see-saw you may recall from a playground in your youth was likely a single long board balanced on something that allowed the weightier end to rest on the ground while the lighter end rose up … [Read more...]
A Great Leader Will Keep Hammering Away at the Rock
If you want to be a leader, hammering away at the rock in front of your teammates without interruption or frustration is perhaps the most inspiring thing you can do for your team. Results are just a symptom that reflects the quality people, purpose, and process that your organization has put in place. Successful team leaders are those who refuse to stop working. They trust the process even when others are critical or lack faith. Perhaps the best illustration of this is in the movie Pale … [Read more...]
Not All Team Members Wake Up at the Same Time
One Saturday morning recently, I found myself finally able to understand that some team members are just not wired to wake up at the same time as their peers. I was home at our kitchen counter, and watched my kids come downstairs in their usual manner. …My son likes to wake up early and goes straight for the cereal. …My youngest daughter usually comes downstairs rubbing her eyes, but is determined to get ready on time and never be late or miss a chance to play. …Then, there is my … [Read more...]
Speak Up! Losing is a Symptom of Quiet Team Leaders
Is your team losing more than it should? It may be time for your team leaders to speak up, for often the poor performance you are experiencing is a symptom of the best voices being too quiet. Years ago I had the pleasure of working at the Point Guard College with Dena Evans, who does a terrific job of educating athletes with information that Coach Dick Divenzio, the author of Stuff! Good Players Should Know, shared with her. One of the many nuggets of wisdom I gained from that week of … [Read more...]
To Be a Great Teammate – Identify Your Role
For your team to be successful, what are the two things you most need to contribute? If you cannot answer that question immediately and with confidence, you are not yet as influential a teammate (or leader) as you should be. Think of the physical talents you possess. Is your strength ball-handling? Rebounding? Shooting? Quickness and Defending the ball? Knowing your strengths and making a conscious decision to DO WHAT YOU DO WELL and stay away from trying to do things outside your … [Read more...]