Whether in business, or sports, or the military, etc., we should not be dependent on one man or one woman. There is a bigger machine if you will. Even though sometimes we would like to “feel” we are needed desperately, and we probably are to a certain extent, there is always another person willing to make the company great. Get enough of these types, and the team begins to win big time. Even the greats like Michael Jordan could not win a championship without elevating the others on the team. Now don’t get me wrong, one person can make a HUGE difference. But they do not make or break the long term success of an organization. Top sales people alone don’t meet a store’s total quota. Top homerun hitters cannot win the game without the others playing their part. It takes others to pitch, hit, run, make defensive plays, etc. One fighter pilot does not turn the tide of a war. It takes someone to load the plane, fuel the plane, maintain the plane, design the plane etc.
So, the organization needs to have a bigger vision. A bigger goal. A long and short term strategy. The leaders need to always lead towards the bigger picture. It is ok if some do not make it along the way. The winning teams were not full of quitters or full of people only willing to exert minimal effort. Heavy training, demanding hours, and disappointments seem to naturally weed out the ones that will not make it. Then there are those who do just enough activity to be miserable. Good leaders will stretch their team until the unwilling move on and top talent can’t wait to join the movement. Winners attract winners.
Be willing to take your team to new heights, but do not get bogged down when a person or two lose their willingness to perform along the way. And remember not to place too much emphasis on the “one” super star. Love the super star, respect them, encourage them, but never rely on them alone taking you to the next level. Rely on the team to do so. Some will make it, some will not. The show must go on.
EBTGains 