Last week I was at a basketball game.   

Under 10’s on a Saturday morning.  The tension in the school stadium was palpable.  Coming off the back of the Olympics and upcoming finals for this league, every one of those kids on the court wanted to do better, be better and win. 

Our team was NOT wanting to win together.  They wanted to win individually. 

This looked like limited passing, more fouls than usual and a general lack of connection.  There was clear frustration at their sloppy shots, and this only made them less connected. They clearly wanted to win, but not together. 

I observed the other team.  Passing.  Lots of passing and it was strategic.  They worked as a team to get the ball closer to the hoop every time. No one was trying to be an individual hero. They had a clear game plan, and they were following it.  It was hard to distinguish between the average and great players on their team.  Not because they were all great, but because their teamwork elevated them all.   

Our team was smashed 43-5. The worse score for our team ever.

Whilst this was disappointing to watch, it wasn’t surprising.

When you see a team that wants to win together, they work as a collective. Each understanding how their contribution gets to the goals. No hero’s, no egos. A group of individuals focused on themselves, may feel a sense of short-term glory, but it is not sustainable, and nor will it shift into big goals.

So, does your team want to win together or does it seek individual wins?

Does your team have a clear game plan?

How do you deal with those that want to win individually rather than collectively?

Deliberate Teams plan to win together.

Upcoming Events

👉🏻 You Can’t Say That! – Create a Feedback Culture in Your Team

Event Details:

Date: Monday, 30 September 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm AEST
Location: Zoom

REGISTER 👉🏻 HERE 👈🏻