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“Sometimes you come across those dynasties where you’re just outmatched, and it’s just their time,” Cavaliers guard George Hill said after his team had been swept on its home court by the Golden State Warriors, the 2018 NBA Champions for the 3rd time in 4 years. How would you like your team, organization, nation or family to be spoken of in similar terms? What can businesses; organizations, nations and families learn from this great team?
It is said that results separate the champions from the rest of the pack. The Golden State Warriors are said to be the best team of all times. For now though, their consistency and performance has proven that they are indeed unbeatable and a great team—one that delivers real results time and time again.
So, what makes the Golden State Warriors the best team against all else, and what might we learn from this unbeatable team?
Attitude
Attitude is everything we are told. Henry Ford once remarked that if you think you can or if you think you cannot you are right. At the heart of every performance; good or bad, you got to believe you can do it if you are to deliver whatever results you seek. After all, why play if your all is not in the game? It is those that believe in their power and abilities that outshine the doubtful, the fearful and the timid. These are they that choose to confront their fears and challenges head on because they understand that destiny is a choice you exercise when the right opportunity knocks, and giving it your all no matter what—in essence your attitude must measure up with the purpose on hand. Warriors definitely had that part of the championship covered. They showed up, they gave their all, sustained injuries, lost some game and gain others, and overall, emerged as the strongest and best team with a Championship.You too can do it, endeavor to persevere and you will reap reap your gains if you faint not.
Purpose
Only those that know why they do what they do actually win! Being in touch with why you undertake a particular mission often leads to depth of meaning and unleashes the lurking potential. Clarity of purpose allows you to access your superpowers, ignite your passions and amplify your persona/presence as you evolve, overcome whatever hurdles you must in order to become all that you we were meant to be. For Warriors, they had to overcome public opinions, injuries and weariness that come with such endeavors. You and I we are no different, we will need to be clear and in touch with our why if we are to experience meaningful, joyful and fulfillment in what we do. Why you must effectively communicate your purpose lucidly to those you play the game of life with: employees, family or team because it’s critical to your win. Chemistry or harmony is how you know if you’ve leveled great bond of cohesiveness that guide and draws your team to do exploits, and on to leading the team members to raise their game to the next level.
Vulnerability
The best of teams are said to embody the spirit of vulnerability. Vulnerability according to Brené Brown, a social psychologist and researcher defines vulnerability as the ability to empathize, belong and love from a deep centered place—your wholeheartedness. Your team’s ability to see their blind spot and have the courage to share those moments with fellow teammates keeps everyone humble, grounded and agile ready for whatever change looms if you are to win or remain relevant. Like all great teams, Warriors are no different they too had to develop trust. Something they did quite well and well demonstrated by how they picked up other’s slack like when Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Clay Thomson could play due to injuries. They pulled together and made up the difference by tapping into the power of Team Effort!
Trust
Trust is the bond that binds forever! It takes long time to build, a second to tear down, and if done right can yield sustainable gains time and time again. In his book, The Five Dysfunction of a Team, Patrick Lencioni notes that the fear of conflict is perhaps the critical factor why team fails in building trust. Trust is only possible if those in the team feel a sense of deep connection and commitment towards a common goal. To achieve this, the team especially the leader must be wiling to lead in this regard.
For now though, whether you were rooting for the Golden State Warriors or not, you’ll agree that this team share a great bond and chemistry, one that was palpable during their consistent performance throughout the season. It is undeniable that the Warriors team chemistry was the most critical element that led them to their 3rdChampionship in 4 years. So, to win in your respective game in life, career, business or otherwise, you’lI need to embrace the right attitude if you are to harness your skills, abilities, persona and attention in whatever you do. To shine therefore, your attitude needs to be channeled for good, and towards a meaningful endeavor. Note however, vulnerability must be present and experienced if your are to feel a sense to togetherness rooted in a collective purpose, one that bind your strength and bond to trusting your team members. So, be real and keep your real with your team, and you’ll realize sustainable results year after year—after all, the Golden State Warriors have proven that team effort is the sure path to wining championships! Well done Warriors!
Carolyne helps professionals gain CLARITY around building a meaningful career. A speaker, author of Being Grounded: 21 Days To Come Alive and Love Your Life, and a contributing writer for various publications. To schedule your 45 minutes complimentary session with her, you can write her at carolyne@vpfstrategies.com
