“If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?”Â- Vince Lombardi
“If you’re keeping score, win.”Â- Red Auerbach
Teamwork and Success. The two terms truly go hand in hand. It’s important to realize that these two qualities are just as important in the work world as they are on the playing field. When Red Auerbach recently passed away, it got me thinking about the legend behind the man. What made him so successful in comparison to his peers? How was he able to be involved in 16 championships in his first 30 years? Why was he so sharp in orchestrating trades that by the 1980s other NBA teams didn’t want to ever make a deal with the Celtics in fear that Red saw something no one else did?
When thinking about Auerbach the other mastermind coach in sports that automatically comes to mind is Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers. Lombardi has had more memorable quotes and motivational tactics than perhaps anyone in sports including the following:
Individual commitment to a group effort. That’s what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.
It seems pretty obvious but if one part of the equation is out of synch, the whole operation can fall apart. Having a cohesive unit allows the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts. Both Lombardi and Auerbach were geniuses in their respective sports. Their fundamental understanding of the game was critical but recognizing teamwork as being essential in all walks of life was truly brilliant.
As we embark on a New Year of opportunities and challenges remember: efficient teamwork will ultimately lead to enormous success. So the next time you’re at your job, no matter what you do, stop for a second and think how you can make a co-worker’s life easier. It’ll likely go a long way in bringing you personal success.
Bookmark this post:
10 Responses to “Teamwork and Success in 2007”
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
Are you forgetting about John Wooden? I think accomplishing what he did with all his titles and 88 game winning streak in the college game is just as, if not more impressive..
Quite true. But then I’d probably have to include Phil Jackson, Joe Torre, Pat Riley, Bill Parcells, Mike Krzyzewski, Casey Stengel, etc.
Wooden’s definitely in their class though.
There is no question that teamwork skill sets developed amongst atheletes and coaches through sports and competitive games are one of the most solid foundations for success in the business world. Competitive drive makes it all the better.
Nice message here that I feel transcends sports in general (I think the point the author was trying to make). Happy New Years!
Cheers,
Sam D
This is so true. I think a lot of companies, big or small, and teams, big or small, can only be successful if they have a cohesive team unit.
Glad to have you on my team Tom!
Great post and even better message, thanks for sharing this. Hope to read more insightful text from this author in 2007.
Very insightful and inspiring post, Tom. Thanks for the reminder to think of others. Have a wonderful 2007!
I love the analogy of business to sports. I think they are very closely related and extremely motivational. Strong post.
Very insightful post. Team work is a very important aspect that all of us should keep in mind. Also check this article out for more on teamwork:
Being a team player
[...] working together to achieve a common goal/task. Team composition is extremely critical for success; successful teams embody these [...]