It’s March Madness! Get Ready for Your Final Four
Whether you are a fan of basketball or not, there is something special about the month of March that turns everyone into a raving fan. From the brackets to the buzzer beaters, it is an exciting time to cheer on your favorite team as they try to get to the Final Four. Some teams make it look easy, others struggle, and every year there seems to be an inspiring Cinderella story that captures the hearts of every spectator and commentator alike. However, whether your team is ranked #1 or #16, there are certain qualities and characteristics that elite athletic coaches possess that mean the difference between being eliminated in the first round or leading their team to the Final Four.
At ON Point, our clients are corporate athletes. They are wired to win. Their DNA is filled with drive and determination. And, they are laser-focused on the goal. However, given that success is a team sport, it is the leaders who know how to successfully “coach” their teams, and the individuals on their teams, that increase their chances of getting to their own Final Four. Gone are the days, in both athletics and in the workplace, when a leader can get away with yelling and screaming, perpetuating a culture of fear, and focusing solely on the results and not the whole person. Successful leaders today adopt a true coach approach and a holistic approach to developing, motivating, stretching, and rewarding their people.
Coach, if you want to lead your team to your own Final Four, then follow the ON Point Action Plan and get ready to cut down the net and prepare for a Gatorade bath.
7 Tips to Coach Your Team to the Final Four
- Get a Game Plan – top coaches scout out the competition, create winning strategies, plan for contingencies & know how to execute
- Truthfully Assess Talent – be able to accurately assess strengths, weaknesses, skills & the will to improve performance
- Switch Seats – make sure the right person is doing the right job & be prepared to make the tough call & the substitution if needed
- Clarify Roles – clearly communicate the roles, responsibilities & expectations of each person to minimize confusion & maximize results
- Find Another Gear – great coaches know how to take even elite players to another level; how to develop their people beyond what was possible
- Embrace Adversity – even if it looks easy, every winning team knows how to deal with injuries & other issues & come back even stronger & more resilient
- Make It Whole – take a holistic approach & focus on all elements of the corporate athlete; the physical, mental, emotional & purposeful aspects of their lives
