Leading with the Heart

Preseason

How do you begin to build a great team, whether in sports, business, or life? First, recruit great individuals who are eager to be part of a team and will respond to coaching. Make everyone feel like part of the team effort, not just a robot in a group being led by one person. Refer to the team and the team’s effort using plural pronouns: “our” instead of “my,” “we” instead of “I,” and “us” instead of “me.” To create an all-inclusive atmosphere, let other people speak at meetings; don’t monopolize the session or fall in love with the sound of your own voice.

Teach time management as it relates to the group, not just the individual. Emphasize honor, but go easy on the number of rules. The fewer the better, because rules usually just get in the way. Create a family support system for your team that reinforces togetherness and rapport. But unlike a parent with quarrelsome siblings, use togetherness to keep jealousy at bay and build members’ ability to trust one another. Dispel the fear of failure by creating mutual commitments. Foster genuine bonds among the members of the team. Bond with them, and encourage them to bond with each other. When you strengthen ...