80 DECEMBER 2024 | INTHEVUE.COM AS WE HEAD INTO THE HEART OF high school basketball season, it’s the perfect time to talk about what it takes to lead a team to victory - whether on the court or in the business world. When you think about a basketball team, what stands out? You might imagine players hustling up and down the court, exchanging passes, and working together to sink the perfect shot. But behind every championship-winning team, there’s something more; a strong, unified leader guiding them toward success. In both sports and business, leadership is all about clarity, structure, and shared purpose. Just like a basketball coach builds a game plan to direct players, effective business leaders create systems and strategies that align their teams to reach a common goal. But just like in basketball, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “running in circles” - getting caught up in confusion about roles, expectations, and who’s responsible for what. SETTING THE GAME PLAN In basketball, every team needs a playbook. Without a game plan, players wouldn’t know where to move, when to pass, or how to set up for a shot. The same holds true in business; you need a clear mission and vision to guide your team. What are you trying to accomplish? What’s your end goal? This clarity ensures everyone on your team knows exactly what they’re working toward, just like players know the objective of making that game-winning basket. When a team understands the bigger picture, they can work together in harmony. For all leaders (business and sports teams of all levels), this means developing a mission statement that ev- eryone can rally behind - a true, actionable tool, not just words on paper. Your mission should be something your team shows up for every day, just like players show up for practice with the goal of improving. It’s the backbone of everything you do. DEFINING YOUR TEAM’S IDENTITY A basketball team’s success often depends on its ability to work together, despite individual differences. One player might be exceptional at shooting, while another is a defensive powerhouse. But it’s the team’s core values - the principles they all buy into - that unify the players and keep them focused on the ultimate goal. In business, core values serve the same purpose. As a leader, you need to define what’s non-negotiable for your team. These values are your playbook for behavior and decision-making. They set the tone for how everyone on your team should inter- act, both internally and externally. Without them, it’s easy for players (or employees) to go off-track, creating disunity and confusion. BE THE COACH, NOT JUST THE BOSS In basketball, the coach is responsible for more than just calling the plays. A good coach builds trust with their players, gives them the freedom to perform, and holds them accountable when necessary. The same is true for business leaders. To lead effectively, you need a leadership philosophy that defines how you approach your role. What is your style of coaching your team? Are you hands-on, or do you empower your team to take charge? Your leadership philosophy should be a written document that outlines how you interact with your team, how decisions are made, and the expectations you have for everyone involved. Having these guidelines in place prevents confusion and sets clear standards, just like a coach’s game strategy gives players the framework to succeed. KEEP THE BALL MOVING In basketball, there are certain rules and policies that must be followed for the game to run smoothly. These are like the LEADING A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM Forging LEADERS { b y R y a n C o n n }
