My son John (13), plays on a community basketball team. This past week, his coach was attending a special event for his work and he asked me if I would be willing to fill in for him while he was away.
I happily agreed, but I was a bit concerned. The team is struggling and was still looking for its first victory, which is something new for both John and the coach. This is their third season together, and they were undefeated in the previous two. The team is made up of some very talented players, but they are still learning how to play together as a team.
What Are You Good At?
I had attended all of the games, so I had formed some opinions about the players. Despite that fact, I had never met any of them. I didn't even know many of their names.
I wanted to get to know them, so before the game, I took each young man aside and I asked him to tell me about his strengths on the court. It was fun to watch their faces as they told me where and how they like to play. These were magic moments. I pushed my opinions aside, and decided to agree with each one and to reinforce their belief by saying something like, "Yes, I can see that, this is where and how I want you to play today, and I am going to make sure that we get you the ball."
Then, I brought the whole team together and I voiced the strengths of each individual. I told them that we were going to play to the strengths of the team. I told them how each player would contribute and what I wanted them to do while they were on the court.
A Different Team
They looked like a different team. They played with purpose and they began to mesh their talents together. In our huddles we talked about what was going on and what they were seeing. We also talked about how each one was doing in their role and made the needed adjustments. It was fun to hear them talk about the experience. They were having fun and we were staying even.
With 1.3 seconds to go, we were down by one point. One of the boys was fouled and put on the Free Throw line. Here was our chance to win the game. This was a very nerve wracking situation. The young man missed the first shot. Instead of being upset or dejected, his team members, both on and off the court, rallied to encourage him. He stepped to line and made the tying shot. They then went on to win the game in overtime. It was an exciting and dramatic day.
Your Team
I really don't know much about basketball, but I do know a little bit about coaching and building teams. I relied on this knowledge to help me in this experience. When the game was over, I reflected on the steps that led to this victory. They are the same steps that lead to victory in the work teams I help.
- Give everyone an opportunity to do what they do best.
- Communicate roles clearly to each individual.
- Empower each individual by communicating his or her role to the team.
- In the huddles hold each member accountable by asking if they living up to their role.
- Give positive feedback as often as possible and critical feedback only when it is absolutely necessary.
- Model the way, by encouraging others.
These steps, do not guarantee victory. Nothing can really do that, but they do guarantee an engaged and productive team. Under these guidelines, teams learn to trust each other. As as result, they also learn to work together and to play together. This always produces better outcomes for the team and for the organization.
What steps generate the success in your team?
What are you doing to make sure you do that more often?
It is interesting to note, that I didn't teach a single basketball related strategy or fundamental. I didn't draw up any plays or break down what the other team was doing. Instead, I focused on encouraging the team and letting them do what they do best. They responded and did their best. That made all the difference. Give it a shot.
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