2 simple questions that will make your team better
Bill Russell won an unprecedented 11 NBA championships, but he teaches a lesson that might be even more astounding.
In his book “Russell Rules,” Bill shares that someone asked him what was the single most important reason he won all those championships. Instead of crediting tough practices or weight training or extra time watching film, Bill said that he would wake up each morning and ask himself two questions:
“What can I do to help those around me succeed?”
“What can I do today to make my team better?”
Bill Russell’s main pursuit wasn’t championships. Or stats. Or accolades. His top purpose was helping the team succeed by helping his teammates get better. That mission drove him to unmatched heights and it’s a profound statement about the impact of giving yourself to your teammates, your coworkers, or whoever else is around you.
That teammate-focused attitude applies far beyond sports, too. It fits in your workplace, your classroom, your family life, and beyond. When we live, work, and play for one another, everyone rises up. It’s not a zero-sum game!
I truly believe that when you help others be successful, you can’t help but become successful too.
When you help others be successful, you can’t help but become successful too.
So, let’s compete to be a great teammate, coworker, family member today. Let’s look for ways to elevate our love and respect for those around us. Let’s focus on living with an “I’m here for you” mindset. Maybe it’s doing a random act of kindness, or sharing some encouraging words, or sitting down and connecting with someone you wouldn’t normally do so with.
Because if you want to be part of a great team, be a great teammate!
So, take a moment and ask yourself two simple questions — the same questions Bill Russell asked himself on his path to greatness:
What can you do to help those around you succeed?
What can you do today to make your team better?
As you live out your answers to those questions, I think you’ll be surprised at how much better your team becomes.
And how much better you become too.
Construction Risk & Project Management Professional and Modular Construction Expert
5 年That is such great stuff, Pete! I have a couple mantras in life. That is one of them! If my primary aim is to make everyone around me more successful, I will never need to worry about making myself successful. It will be a natural bi- product. Thank you for sharing such great insight and wisdom! It matters and it makes a difference! Thank you!
Frontline leader /supervisor
5 年Thanks Bill
This is amazing! Keep it up! #gohawks
Senior Geologist at Zipper Geo Associates
5 年Love the pic of Bill Russell. The GOAT. The ultimate team player. NOBODY in the NBA has or will ever achieve what he did AND suffer what he had to go through.
Accomplished supply chain manager creating efficiencies and innovative solutions
5 年Thanks for sharing that great article.? Inspiring!