Monthly Archives: November 2014

Why Maps are Cheap and Great Tour Guides are Invaluable

I went to Philadelphia last year when my daughter’s volleyball team had a tournament there. Obviously, it was an impressive and exciting opportunity to see many of our nation’s historic landmarks and personally experience and learn about those locations. When we arrived at the hotel and checked in, the concierge had maps of the city […]

How to Solve a Common Problem on Virtual Teams

Virtual teams are a terrific solution for organizations to consider in many cases, but they also offer a common problem and challenge to solve. A study by online project management technology review firm Software Advice surveyed over 600 adults and found that people on virtual teams had very similar perceived issues. Managing Editor Noel Radley wrote an article […]

UConn Basketball and a Championship Lesson in Patience

The 2014 men’s basketball national championship was a well-documented contrast in team dynamics. The UConn starting five consisted of two seniors, two juniors, and a sophomore, while Kentucky started five freshmen – most of which likely planned to use the game as a springboard into the NBA draft. And more than a story of free […]

Lessons From Alaska and Bad Weather to Help Building Your Oil Pipeline

Have you ever work with somebody – or live with somebody – that always seems to be making excuses instead of making an effort? Next time you see them, tell them this story about the Trans-Alaskan Oil Pipeline… Oil was discovered on the northern slope of Alaska in 1968. After the 1973 American oil crisis, […]

What Flavor of Tea Does Your Team Need to Drink?

You have likely heard for years the mantra that “you are what you eat.” I would suggest that it is more accurate to say that you are what you DRINK. Your team will succeed or fail based upon what is in the “Kool-Aid” being served, and how many are drinking it consistently.  If individuals on […]

4 Steps to GIVE Your Team Advice That Gets Results

One of the most difficult skills for a teammate or leader to learn is how to give people on your team advice that gets results instead of resentment. Like you, over the years I shared countless nuggets of wisdom that would have helped my players or teammates, but it often went unheeded – and unappreciated. […]

2 Easy Teambuilding Activities to Develop Your Team Chemistry

Not everyone can bring in a facilitator to lead their group through a full or half day of activities and insights to improve team communication and cohesiveness. As a high school coach, I eventually realized that team culture was far more impactful than the X’s and O’s. And it was my frustration with not being […]

“That’s Not My Job” is a Dangerous Phrase for Teams

One very dangerous catch phrase that people on great teams would likely never speak is “that’s not my job.” Unfortunately, it is a phrase that has crept into many organizations, creating conflicts amongst teammates that should be supporting one another. As a basketball coach, I used to look for athletes who did the little extra […]

Why Leaders, Like Ants, Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

Successful leaders come in many different sizes, and rather than fitting a certain mold, they use their own personal strengths and unique personalities to fill gaps and move people in their organizations. Leaders must fit their organization’s needs, identify obstacles or distractions to their team’s performance, and find ways to keep people moving in the […]