March Madness Is All about Building a Winning Team
March means it is time for college basketball “March Madness.” In 2023, the unheralded Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team made it all the way to the NCAA Final Four. How did they make it that far, especially considering they had no superstars? They relied on teamwork. Nine players on this Owls team averaged 15-plus minutes during the season, and the starting rotation changed several times. "We really don't care who starts as long as you just impact the game," said sophomore guard Alijah Martin, who started 20 games that season. Another starter said, "It's probably the first team I've been on where really nobody cares about their stats. I feel like across the board, any game it's just a whole bunch of selfless guys just trying to get a win."*
How can we focus on building a “winning” team?
Invite and involve others to serve with you. Before you build a strong team, you have to actually have a team. One example from the early church in Scripture is recorded in Acts 6. The apostles see the need for a team and lead the church in inviting and involving others to serve.
Look for character as you seek competency. A person who has character but lacks competency will be ineffective. But a person who lacks character, no matter how competent, can be a disaster. A person who lacks competency may be bad at being good; but a person who lacks character while having competency may be good at being bad!
Focus on the person and not just the position. As leaders we are often focused on the agenda we need to accomplish. Team members need to know that we care about them personally and spiritually, and not just their professional or organizational contribution.
Give explanations as well as having expectations. People cannot read our minds. As leaders we have to do our best to give a clear explanation of our expectations. This may be in the form of a job description and organizational charts, as well as offering time for open verbal and mutual communication.
Highlight the past as you spotlight the future. Having a vision for the future is part of leadership, but we often inherit a team already in place. Get to know the shared history of the team. Humbly build upon past successes, and graciously address weaknesses.
Take time to enjoy those you employ. Sometimes lunch should just be lunch. Often, I have turned lunch into the proverbial “lunch and learn.” However, team building involves relationship building – so add that to your to do list.
Be a good team member as you seek to be a good team builder. Building a sense of team means that I embrace being a part of the team too. Personalities are different but find ways to demonstrate that you want to be a part and not just on point.
Your brother in Christ,
BRIAN AUTRY
Executive Director
SBC of Virginia
*Source: “FAU Owls approach men's Final Four as a 'whole bunch of selfless guys just trying to get a win,'” ESPN (3-29-23).