Experiences from an Entrepreneur

When I think of teams, I automatically think of sports. I’m a sports fanatic. I especially like team sports such as basketball, baseball and football.

If you are a fan of sports, you can learn a lot of lessons that can be applied to your business. There are a lot of similarities with corporate teams and sports teams.

Structure is important. A team leader must emerge. Improvement of team practices happen by suggestions from within the team but also from the sideline. It’s important to get an outsiders perspective on operations. It’s the small victories (2 points) that make you a winner. Well executed plays and a strong strategy set you apart from your competition. A loss today doesn’t mean you can’t win tomorrow. Momentum is power. Dedication is addicting. Everyone plays an important role. Double plays or big sales, usually involve more than just you.

Here are a few of my favorite sport quotes about teams.

“Michael, if you can’t pass, you can’t play.” – Michael Jordan’s 9th grade Coach.

“One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbor

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” – Babe Ruth

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan

“Individual commitment to a group effort, that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work”. – Vince Lombardi

As the team captain of your organization, you are responsible for your team’s success. Make sure you know the playbook by heart. Utilize all the talent that has been recruited for the purpose of winning. Lead. Enjoy Victory.