Sports, Business, and Missing the Big Picture

The link between business and sports is a powerful one. We often refer to our employees as members of the "team"...and we hope that unselfish "play" will result in a "big win" for the company. 

Some claim that sports references go over their heads...yet they drop the "team" label in their next breath.

So, what's happening? Here's where I'm at with sports and business.

I Love Teams
I am a big fan of creating an environment where our employees feel like they are a member of the organization in a meaningful way. The sense of community, the trust, the camaraderie all go a long way to creating a culture that most organizations only give lip-service to.

But...just like with any successful team, it is the leadership that must step up, be a role model, and not just talk about professionalism and culture, they have to live it. For those leaders that fail to do so, what happens?

Morale slumps.
Profit slumps.
Turnover suddenly becomes "a thing."

Leaders who talk too damn much are worthless.

Everyone Is Not A Starter
For those leaders that believe they are suddenly an all-star simply because they have a fancy title, I have some grim news. Teams are rarely made up of superstars. Several marquee players often elevate the play of the rest of the team. 

The same holds true in business. Leaders, just like talented young players, need to learn from the veterans. It is impossible to develop leadership savvy on your own. Paying attention to the details, and learning the nuances of effective leadership that separate the focus on personal convenience, to understanding the larger picture is critical.

The awareness of how important it is to maintain strong relationships in the workplace often separates the "hungry" new leaders who repeatedly fail, from those experienced leaders who could help them develop. The simple rules our parents taught us about crossing the street are helpful here...

Stop.
Look.
Listen.

How About You
What role do you play "in the room?" Are you the veteran who sees how all of the pieces of your organization and key relationships fit together? Or, are you so hungry to prove that you know what you're doing, that you constantly show you have no idea?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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(I'm Not Your) Scapegoat

Let's be honest for a minute. Leading is hard. Sometimes impossibly difficult to the point that despite our best efforts, we simply don't know what to do in the moment. When we're dealing with a crisis, or a struggling team member, or external pressure, we can fall into the trap of identifying someone as the source of our troubles versus understanding all of the facts first.

Rookies Are Obvious
This behavior happens most commonly when new leaders (from supervisor to CEO) are not comfortable handling confrontation. These well-intended folks typically do not understand that because they are uncomfortable with a situation, it does not mean they are supposed to rush to judgement simply to make themselves feel better. 

These are usually the same leaders that are passionate about culture, and teamwork, and advocating for an environment that is supportive, open and innovative. Here's the catch...because they are not willing to push themselves into areas where they can manage their discomfort, they end up looking foolish.

Consequences
Leading the way to make changes for the better is admirable. However, avoiding the hard work necessary to understand issues before making judgements; getting (more) comfortable dealing with perceived problems slowly and methodically; and ensuring that the messages delivered to the team are well thought out and clear are absolutely essential.

Here's why...no one stays if the leadership team of an organization behaves like a bunch of rookies.

How About You
What new leaders are struggling in your company? Who needs your coaching and support; and, who needs some candid feedback about how they are really perceived? It's up to us as leaders to stand alone and make it happen.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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