As an entrepreneur, I experience many different team dynamics, leadership styles, and collaborative processes. I consider myself a life-long learner, and am always looking for opportunities to grow my management skills. Coaching my kid’s sports teams has not only helped me stay connected to my children, but has also taught me lessons about life and business. Not only have I found many parallels between these two parts of my world, but I have learned lessons from my kid’s sports teams that have helped me in my business. Coaching children is a rewarding experience that can teach leaders about respect, expectations, support, and teamwork.
Here are 3 lessons about business I learned from coaching my kids.
1. A well-rounded team is key.
In sports, no athlete, even the best ones, have all areas covered. Child athletes all have their strengths and weaknesses, and as a coach you must utilize all the teammates to fill in the gaps. Star players couldn’t be stars without the support of their team. It is essential to recognize the areas where players need assistance, and build a team that is well-rounded.
In business, a balanced team is equally vital. Even the most successful entrepreneurs need other talent to fill in the gaps with special skill sets. It is essential that leaders recognize the areas in which they need to let others take the spotlight. Companies driven by teams with widely varied skill sets work together brilliantly. It can be difficult for leaders to admit they need help, but a group of people working together toward a common goal is always stronger than a lone individual.
2. The process is the experience, not the win.
Kids often think that the team’s success is measured by their most recent win or loss. Teaching them otherwise has been a great reminder in my own work. Winning or losing is just a bi-product to the experience. When the players put in solid work, play well together, and give their best effort, ground is gained. Losing, but knowing that you played above your previous abilities, can be a win on its own. Often, teams are built not during the winning games, but the losing ones. These games can serve as a reminder of the areas you need to strengthen.
In the business world, of course we want to win. But coaching has been a solid reminder that it’s the journey that builds your team. Your business should have the ability to adapt as the circumstances or environment change. If you’re always winning, you won’t gain as much long term value. Focus on the process, and the wins will come.
3. Focus on fundamentals.
As a coach, I first have to focus on basics. To build skills, we must repeat them until they are part of our muscle memory. Even the most talented kids need to go back to the fundamentals regularly to keep them sharp. Regardless of the skill level, we take the time to practice from the ground up.
As a leader, it is your responsibility to check in with your team and make sure the fundamentals are in place. When working at a high level, it is easy to get caught up in the details and forget to focus on the main goal. Growing the fundamentals a business on a strong foundation. A strong foundation, means a solid team.