Teams don't happen by accident

I’m a huge basketball fan excited that it is the opening week of the NBA season, so the

topic of “crafting a cabinet and building a senior team” (from the recently issued “Presidential Competencies” report I’ve discussed in multiple posts) is timely!

A remarkable 85% of presidents surveyed expressed belief in the importance of “building a collaborative cabinet”, and it’s that word—collaborative—that I’d like to touch on.

A team is not just a collection of individuals with a shared direct report—even if they spend hours together every week. Building a successful senior team requires a whole lot more than just hiring talent—it requires a shared commitment to a common purpose, pursued with discipline and flexibility, and with clear expectations. A leader can’t delegate that, and it doesn’t just happen—it is their responsibility to develop that purpose and clear expectations about how it will be pursued, define and hold the group and individuals accountable for their behavior as well as results, and take action as needed to reinforce those behaviors.

We’ve all seen supposed “dream teams” fall short in basketball—where the team with a terrific ball handler, an amazing shooter, a strong finisher, a remarkable defender, and a workhorse rebounder—falls short. Why? Usually not because of any lack of individual talent, but instead because of a lack of shared commitment and purpose. What happens on successful teams? All of the above…along with the willingness to dive on the floor after loose balls, give up a good shot for a better one, help out on defense when a teammate gets beat, bring a spark when energy is low, and speak up when standards of effort aren’t being met.

Hire talented people with complementary skill sets? Absolutely. Just remember that’s the first step. Whether you are leading a university or coaching a basketball team, the real work of leadership begins when you create an environment in which those individuals uphold their commitment to each other in pursuit of shared success.

And #Bucksin6 forever