Winning Is a Team Sport

Posted on by Scott

document-3268750_640Last Friday night the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, completing a four game sweep and winning the NBA title. While most of the conversation surrounding this series focused on Lebron James and the herculean effort he put forth to give his Ohio team a fighting chance, it was the well-rounded team play of the Warriors that one the day. They were simply too much for one man to handle – even if that man is Lebron James.

Speaking to reporters, Finals MVP Kevin Durant shared that he found it very difficult to be considered an MVP when he is surrounded by so many great teammates.  He said “I feel like it’s easy to be the best player when you don’t have good players around you. I feel like it’s harder to stand out when you have great players around you.”

What Durant and the rest of the Warriors understand is that great players don’t win championships. Great teams do.

It doesn’t matter how much time, and effort, and passion, you put into your job. If those around you aren’t just as committed you won’t win. You simply can’t do it alone. The more Lebron James has to carry the rest of the team, the more he stands out. And the more likely the team is to lose. You may be the best employee the organization has ever seen. You may be the top performer by a wide margin. But if your teammates aren’t pulling their weight, you will not succeed.

That’s why so many top performers leave their organizations. When you want to win, you want to be around others who feel the same way. If teammates are content to give minimum effort, then winners start to stand out – and they start to lose. It’s emotionally taxing to give 110% day after day while those around you choose to coast.

Are you a champion? Are you a member of a team that’s so strong, it’s hard to pick out an MVP? Are you surrounded by individuals who desire to win just as strongly as you do and put forth the effort to prove it?

Or are you watching your team’s best player give their heart and soul to a game you have no interest in playing? Are you coasting along, enduring the occasional criticism of your performance so that you can go back to sleepwalking your way to the next paycheck? Are you content with watching from the bench while others succeed?

Managers, ultimately this message is for you. Because as leaders, it’s our responsibility to create championship teams. Are we ok with second place, the middle of the pack, or even rock bottom? Do we have team members who are content? I hope not.

We’re quickly approaching the mid-point of another year. Will this be another championship year for you, or another disappointment? There’s still time to crush your goals. There’s still a chance to win.

Embrace excellence. Imagine your team in the winner’s circle. See your coworkers hoisting the trophy. Hear the applause of the crowd and feel the rush that comes from being part of a championship effort.

There’s a game to win and it’s going on right now. Want to play?

The Keys to Peak Performance

Posted on by Scott

basketball

The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there. -Vince Lombardi

If you’ve never been a professional basketball fan, now is a good time to tune in. The Cleveland Cavaliers are locked in a tough battle with the Golden State Warriors for the NBA championship. The first two games went into overtime, a first for a finals series, and both teams are bringing their best in a bid for the title.

On display are two of the game’s elite players. The marquee player for the Warriors is Stephen Curry, the regular season MVP. The Cavaliers are led by Lebron James – arguably the best player on the planet. These two men bring their best game after game and, as a result, raise the level of play from their teammates.

Whether you’re talking about athletes, craftsmen, salespeople, or service providers; there are certain traits that set the best apart. I’m not talking about natural ability or physical characteristics. What puts top performers on the top is the way they approach the game.

Top performers constantly look to improve. The best of the best are never satisfied with their performance. They know there’s always something more they can do to get better. There’s always something else they can do to elevate their game. And knowing there’s something they can do to improve, they can’t sit still. They feel compelled to pursue the next level.

Top performers seek out feedback. There’s only so far you can improve on your own. Those who seek excellence understand that assistance is necessary for them to move on. So they reach out to the best resources they can find – their coach, other experts, more experienced players – and ask them for help. You don’t achieve elite status without inviting others to evaluate your performance. Assessment isn’t viewed as an inconvenience; it’s considered a necessity.

Top performers respond to constructive criticism. Superstars welcome criticism more than accolades. It’s not that they don’t appreciate praise and validation; but “atta-boys” alone don’t help you improve. To achieve greatness, you have to understand what’s keeping you from it. You need someone who will point out your weaknesses and then help you tackle them. The elite need to hear the bad news; but they need to hear it from someone who cares about their success. In the end, they stand on top; but they don’t stand alone.

As of this writing the Warriors have the advantage, having gone up three games to two in the best-of-seven series. Regardless of which team winds up on top, I’m enjoying the show. Seeing top performers do what they do best is always a treat.