Tom Brady won seven Super Bowls, right? Not exactly. He was on seven teams, each of which won one championship. While Brady is arguably the GOAT in his position, he could not possibly win a single game, let alone a championship, by himself. Brady, and other great players like him, elevated those around him and made his teams stronger.
Conversely, the infamous 2004 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball team undeniably featured the world’s best players at the time. They were unanimously favored to win Gold (their fourth straight). However, that did not happen. The team lost three games (to Puerto Rico by 19 points – the biggest deficit in U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball history – Lithuania and Argentina). They also lost a preparation game to Italy.
The commonly accepted reason for the gross underperformance is that they played as individual superstars rather than as a cohesive team. Teams win, not individuals.
Successful managers and leaders build a culture of collaboration and teamwork. You need to attract and retain top talent, but cultural fit is also critically important. People need to understand organizational values and goals and buy into them; they must value their role in the organization and respect the contribution of others. Managers must also support and develop a professional growth plan for their direct reports.
Too often, politics impedes organizational efficiency and effectiveness. If roles are not clearly defined and respected, if individuals do not feel valued and supported, the office turns into Lord of the Flies. Weak, insecure managers also feel threatened by high-performing workers and consciously or subconsciously hinder their growth. This is typical in dysfunctional organizations, not gold medal teams.
Stars become superstars by lifting those around them. Surrounding yourself with excellence makes you excellent. When those around you are promoted, you get promoted. High tide raises all boats. (Of course, you need a boat in the water to benefit from the rising tide, but that's a different article for another time).
There is no room for narcissism or selfishness if you want to grow personally and excel professionally. There actually is an “I” in “TEAM,” but it’s in the “A-hole.” Don’t be that person.
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