In the tapestry of our lives, early experiences often lay the foundation for our future insights and pursuits. Reflecting on my own journey, I recognize the pivotal moments during my youth—specifically, the lessons learned in the playground and in competitive sports—that have profoundly shaped my understanding of purpose, vision, and teamwork. These principles have not only guided me through personal growth but have also been instrumental in my professional development. This blog post aims to weave these early lessons into a narrative that resonates with those aspiring to cultivate meaningful, dynamic teams in any sphere of life.
Lesson 1: Purpose is Critical
I can still remember the day back in 6th grade when I made the decision that I was going to start a business. I had it all figured out! I was going to hire all of my friends and we were going to play and have fun all day. Of course we’d do a little work to make sure our customers were happy, but our primary goal would be to hang out and have a blast!
What is better than being with friends? Those are the people who make us feel comfortable and safe, the ones with whom we’re not afraid to share what is on our minds. When we’re together, and one of us happens to say or do something that doesn’t sit well, leading to a scuffle on the playground, we simply pick ourselves up, dust off the wood chips, pat each other on the back, and move on with our lives.
Now, I didn’t actually have any idea what type of business I was going to start, and to me, it didn’t even matter. The excitement I had burning inside of me to create an environment where fun and being with friends was the number one priority excited me and was something I could hardly wait for! Reflecting on this experience, I realize this was the first time I began to have an awareness (albeit a 6th-grade level awareness) that having a common purpose among a group of people can create stickiness within the group as well as the initiative to push through challenges.
Lesson 2: Visualization is Necessary
I’m not sure if becoming viciously competitive was something I picked up as a casualty of being raised during the ’70s and ’80s, and being influenced by the omnipresent cold war tensions, exemplified by the “Miracle on Ice,” where the US hockey team defeated the Russians, or if I was just extremely fortunate to grow up in a community that bred an intense desire to win. I’m not saying this always translated into a healthy emotional response, but hey, I was in middle school, and that’s normal!
With my group of friends, it didn’t matter if we were playing football, basketball, track, baseball, wiffleball, poker, or nerf basketball at Matt Severance’s house—the objective was to win! Our conversations often revolved around what it would take for us to win the “Championship” of whatever sport we were playing at the time, even if it was just the neighborhood backyard wiffleball league. This period likely marked the phase in my life when I began to view my competitors as mortal enemies who must be defeated (again, I’m not suggesting this mindset was entirely healthy).
This intense desire to win, coupled with constant and obsessive discussions about what those victories would look and, most importantly, feel like, helped us forge a clear and compelling vision of what it would take to come out on top. Strategy was important, but not as crucial as the shared vision we created together.
Lesson 3: Every Contribution Matters!
The high prioritization of friendship, along with the extreme drive to win, combined to create a skill and behavior that is still prevalent among my close friends today. That skill is “Trash Talking.” Now, I understand if this isn’t a “skill” or something you’re accustomed to participating in; you may view it as bullying or just plain mean. That’s fair, but give me a second to explain what I feel is at the core of it all before you place me in the “bully” category.
I believe the greatest thing about good friends is the comfort and familiarity that develops between us. The better the friends we are, the more likely we are to call-out each other when we see one of our friends making excuses or blaming others for their bad decisions. I believe that “calling out” or “trash talking” is an attempt from one friend to another to disrupt their pattern of behavior, which hopefully leads to them re-evaluating and correcting their course. So, to me, trash talking is simply a sign of love and guidance from a friend who simply wants the best for you!
I don’t believe there is a “caste system” among friends, and that holds true for a team. If a team is built on a foundation of love, compassion, and a desire to win together, we must understand that every team member and their individual contributions are required for the team to function at the highest levels, and without that, their likelihood of victory will be significantly reduced.
From Insight to Action
It’s far easier to learn lessons in hindsight than in the midst of the action. Interestingly, it took decades for me to connect the dots between the lessons learned in middle school and those applicable in a business context.
Regardless of whether you’re surrounded by a group of friends or leading a team within a company, lacking a solid purpose will likely lead to a challenging journey. Whether your aim is to enjoy time with friends while keeping customers satisfied, or you’re part of a team striving to extend civilization to Mars, having a compelling purpose that your team is committed to can lead to remarkable achievements.
Do you lead with a purpose that resonates with your team?
Does it inspire them to dedicate more of themselves?
However, purpose alone isn’t sufficient without a clear definition of what you’re aiming to achieve. As a middle schooler, my friends and I knew we wanted to win. We identified our opponents, strategized on overcoming them, and understood the hurdles in our path. We imagined ourselves in pivotal game-winning moments, whether during recess or aiming for that perfect shot with a crumpled math test into the trash can. Our obsession with winning any championship before us and visualizing our path to victory illustrated how purpose, paired with a clear vision, sets the stage for success.
What “Championship” is your team pursuing?
Do you collectively explore potential scenarios and challenges to visualize your path to victory?
The third critical lesson from my youth is recognizing the equal importance of each team member’s contributions to the team’s success. Reflect on any team you’ve been part of or supported, where there’s a standout “superstar” or high performer who seems to receive all the praise, often overlooking the efforts of others. Teams harboring this dynamic seldom reach their full potential until they acknowledge that every contribution, big or small, is vital for maximizing the team’s effectiveness.
Do you equally appreciate all team members’ contributions, or do you lean towards favoring high performers?
Recall a recent instance where a minor contribution had a significant impact. Did you take the time to acknowledge it publicly?
Implementing Insights in Your Professional Journey
Bringing these insights into the professional setting, the principles of purpose, vision, and teamwork are more than just theoretical concepts—they are actionable strategies that can drive a team to excellence. Envision leading a team where each member is aligned with a clear and compelling vision, motivated by a shared purpose that transcends individual interests. Such an environment not only fosters innovation and dedication but also ensures that every team member’s contributions are recognized and valued.
Reflect on the power of purpose in uniting your team towards a common goal, the clarity of vision in guiding your efforts, and the strength of teamwork in achieving unparalleled success. Consider how these principles can be adapted and applied to your current challenges and aspirations.
I invite you to engage with these ideas in your own teams. How can you further define your purpose, sharpen your vision, and strengthen your teamwork? Share your thoughts, experiences, and the outcomes of implementing these insights.
The journey from playgrounds to boardrooms is filled with valuable lessons on leadership, strategy, and collaboration. By embracing the principles of purpose, vision, and teamwork, we can navigate the challenges of professional life with the same enthusiasm and success that characterized our earliest team endeavors. Let these insights inspire you to foster a culture of unity, ambition, and mutual respect in your teams.