The Power of Vision & Strategy: what can you learn from Legendary Coaches?
(fill-in the blank) Leadership starts with ________________.
You guessed it, the leader. And I’d argue even more than the leader, it starts with the coach.
When you look at what the greatest sports dynasties have in common, what do you see? They were/are all driven by visionary and strong coaches.
Think Alex Ferguson, Phil Jackson and Bill Belichick.
They didn’t just focus on their individual “star” player and short-term wins—they created long-term visions for their teams as a whole, leveraging each player’s individual attributes.
I invite you to watch the “Last dance”, or if comedy is more your thing, “The Roast of Tom Brady”, both showing on Netflix.
For example, what is clearly evident in the docuseries is Phil Jackson’s ability to speak to each individual player’s needs, aspirations, fears etc, and paint a cohesively clear picture of a greater future success together while never compromising on the idea that the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.
Which brings me to lesson number 1.
In business, as in sports, when considering how to motivate teams and drive growth, don’t focus solely on your “top player”. Craft a compelling vision of the future together with your team, communicate it constantly, and take them on the journey with you.
Crafting a Compelling Vision
Phil Jackson’s coaching style emphasized holistic success, focusing on both personal growth and team development. His “Zen Master” approach wasn’t just about tactics but about creating a shared vision of excellence.
Business Application: A compelling vision inspires teams to work toward a common goal. Companies like Tesla thrive by creating and communicating visionary goals that challenge the status quo.
Quick Tip: Develop a vision that is both bold and attainable, then communicate it clearly and consistently.
Building Buy-In from the Team
Coaches like Bill Belichick establish clear expectations and trust that the team will buy into the vision. It’s not just about winning games but about creating a system where everyone knows their role in achieving success.
Business Application: Leaders must ensure that their teams buy into the company’s vision. When employees feel a personal connection to the larger mission, they’re more motivated and engaged.
Quick Tip: Involve your team in the vision-setting process to create buy-in and ownership. If that’s not possible at larger organizations, at least coach your team into defining how their day-to-day work is connected to the overall strategy.
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Want to know how visionary leaders inspire their teams to succeed, or want more insights to help craft a powerful vision? Contact me via email.
