How to Utilize the Leadership Lessons of March Madness.
March Madness has become an enormous force in American culture. With ad revenue in the billions of dollars, these games have a far-reaching impact. The popularity of March Madness exceeds that of some major league teams. As an event sponsored by The National Collegiate Athletic Association, March Madness offers plenty of lessons you can apply in your organization.
A winning attitude starts at the top
In the same way a basketball team’s morale starts with the coach, a manager’s attitude can be infectious. You’d be unlikely to see coaches losing their cool and disparaging their team’s failures during March Madness. They understand that encouraging players will help them reach their common goal. These coaches recognize that failure on the court is an opportunity for growth, and encouraging their team makes them more likely to work toward improvement.
As a leader, your team is full of raw talent. Your role is to give that talent the tools they need to succeed. It’s not enough simply to push people to improve. You must instill in them the confidence they need to make those changes. This type of leadership will be rewarded with engaged and enthusiastic employees.
An A-team can beat any A-player
Competitors in March Madness know never to underestimate a well-coordinated team. While flashy players often grab headlines, they find themselves outmatched by a team that consistently delivers on the fundamentals.
The same is relevant to teams in any organization. Cultivating a culture of collaboration can deliver long-lasting results. While seeking to bring in all-star performers can be tempting, it might not build an effective team. Much like in basketball, it doesn’t matter how many individual successes one has if the game is lost. A team that works well together is greater than the sum of its parts.
Competition is healthy when it’s fair
The thrill of March Madness comes down to the game’s intensity. Watching evenly-matched teams is incredibly engaging, not just for the audience but also for the players. So, when setting goal metrics for your team, make them challenging enough to keep things interesting and attainable. When you keep victory just within reach, you create an exciting work environment. This can create a positive culture, leading to more focused work and higher retention.
Sports analogies are often used in business because there are plenty of parallels, but sometimes, we forget that those sports are so successful because of brand strategy. And if you find yourself up against steep competition and are hoping to excel, reach out to us! We’re thrilled to help even your odds with our insights-driven team.
