Business is a Very Competitive Sport - Especially at Year End

So here we are - it’s Q4, fall is here, and every business is laser-focused on having an unexpectedly strong close to calendar year 2023.

Coincidently, MLB is gearing up for the playoffs, the NFL & College football seasons are well underway, and the NHL & NBA are getting ready for the pre-season. ?

Motivating your business is very much like a motivating a sports team. ?It involves adopting strategies and practices that inspire and drive your team's performance - at the right time!

Year End is when leaders, regardless of role, lean in and demonstrate their importance and contribution to winning as a team.?

Here are 10 lessons we can gain from watching our favorite team to ensure we’re ending this quarter not only as strongly as possible, but more importantly, as a well-oiled and collaborative team:

1. Clear Goals and Vision: Just as a sports team aims to win championships, your business team should understand your well-defined goals for a successful year end. ?Clearly communicate the mission and objectives of your team, outlining the importance of their roles in achieving these goals. This gives your team a sense of purpose, ownership, and direction, similar to how athletes focus on winning a game or tournament.

2. Team Identity and Camaraderie: Foster a sense of unity among your team members. Encourage them to identify with the team's identity and values, much like sports teams do with team colors, logos, and chants. Organize team-building activities, outings, or even friendly competitions to strengthen the bonds among your team members and enhance their collaboration.

3. Regular Feedback and Coaching: Like coaches guiding athletes, provide consistent feedback to your team members. Offer constructive criticism, acknowledge their efforts, and suggest areas for improvement. Regular coaching sessions can help team members refine their skills, develop professionally, and work towards continuous growth. ?This should be your SOP. ?But, don’t overlook how important this is in Q4. ?

4. Recognize Achievements: Celebrate achievements and milestones as sports teams do after a victory. Publicly acknowledge and reward outstanding performance, both individually and collectively. This recognition boosts morale, encourages healthy competition, and reinforces the idea that hard work and dedication yield positive outcomes.

5. Healthy Competition: Incorporate a healthy sense of competition within your team. Set up challenges, contests, or performance metrics that encourage team members to push their limits and strive for excellence. This can create a dynamic atmosphere that drives individuals to perform at their best while contributing to the team's overall success.

6. Training and Skill Development: Just as athletes train rigorously to enhance their skills, provide opportunities for your team to develop professionally. Offer workshops, training sessions, and access to resources that help them improve their expertise and stay updated in their respective fields. Don’t fall into the “we’ll do it in Q1” trap!

7. Leadership and Role Models: Identify and nurture natural leaders within your team. These individuals can serve as role models and inspire others with their dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude. Encourage leadership qualities and empower these team members to guide and motivate their colleagues.

8. Adaptability and Resilience: Sports teams often face unexpected challenges during games, and your business team should be prepared to tackle unforeseen obstacles as well. Foster a culture of adaptability and resilience, encouraging your team to stay composed under pressure and find innovative solutions to problems.

9. Continuous Improvement and Analysis: Emphasize the importance of reviewing performance and learning from both successes and setbacks. Analyze outcomes, gather insights, and make data-driven decisions to refine strategies and enhance overall team performance.

10. Inclusive and Supportive Environment: Create an inclusive and supportive environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Encourage open communication, respect diverse perspectives, and ensure that each individual's contributions are recognized and appreciated.

If you are a true leader, it’s your primary responsibility to cultivate a team that is motivated, engaged, and driven to achieve remarkable results, much like a successful sports team on their quest for victory. ?

Don’t take your eye off the details, or the ball, in Q4. And please don’t even think about giving yourself a pass because there is “so much 2024 planning to do”. ?Be with your team NOW in Q4. ?If not, be ready to "reset" those robust preliminary 2024 budget numbers you sadly spent hours projecting. Don’t just be the figurehead that sends the empty email that says “the entire executive team is here to support anything you need,” be the leader your team remembers for the rest of their career.??

#teamleadership #leadershiplessons #coachingleadershipstyle