I live in basketball country. This area specializes in horses, bourbon and basketball. But, during a few months of the year, basketball seems to trump everything.
As a Baptist pastor, if I’m going to embrace the community, I had to embrace what the people love. So, of the three — I’ve chosen basketball.
(And, all God’s people said?)
(Seriously, though, everyone should take a ride through the horse farms of the bluegrass area and the science behind making bourbon alone is worth touring a distillery.)
Watching the University of Kentucky men and women’s basketball teams, however, always inspires some great thoughts for me on leadership.
It takes good leadership to coach a team well. And, we see good coaching around here. I’ve observed some great leadership principles watching these teams.
The win for me is that organizational teams that win — even church staffs — have a lot in common with athletic teams that win.
Here are 10 traits of winning teams:
- The coach cares personally about the players.
- All players understand and believe in the team strategy.
- Dreams of big wins are a part of the culture. Everyone cheers for them in anticipation.
- When it’s a player's turn they’re ready. And, likewise, they are equally supportive when it’s someone else’s turn to shoot. They share the load and are always willing to jump in the game.
- Risky plays are encouraged. Stupid plays are not.
- There is a common vision. The entire team agrees on not only what a win looks like, but what it takes to get one.
- There is ample team spirit is prevalent. Everyone participates in building momentum.
- Losses are evaluated and used to learn how to improve for the next game.
- Wins are celebrated. Wildly.
- The team restructures when needed to meet the current competition.
Follow my analogy? Leader, how could these athletic team traits impact your team?
