Three Lessons in Leadership from the Harlem Globetrotters
Dr. David Rafeedie
When I was growing up in southern California, all of us kids played the big three sports, at least they were the big three back then. Football, baseball, and basketball. I was reasonably good at each one. Why that is all we did, play football, baseball, and basketball. What we played was determined by the sports season. In the fall it was football, in the summer it was baseball, and basketball we played all year round. One of us would always have a net hanging from the front of the garage. We did not have electronics; we were outside playing all day long.
When it came to basketball, I had a great outside shot (before three-pointers) and a quick inside move. I continued to play football and baseball through my teens and into my early adulthood. But I was no longer able to compete well in basketball. I had to quit playing. The problem as not that my skills deteriorated. The problem was everyone who played basketball grew to be a lot bigger than me. It became easy to block my shots.
Born and raised in Southern California, I grew up an L.A. Lakers fan. They had so many great players during my early years into adulthood. But there was another team I loved to watch. They were so much fun to watch. They were great basketball players and extremely funny at the same time.
If you have never seen the Harlem Globetrotters play basketball, I recommend you find a live game/show and go. The Globetrotters are an incredible team of talented basketball players who are part of a franchise dedicated to making people laugh and have done so for many years. Here is a link with some highlights. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ8GTlu5dkE.
Two characteristics stand out about the Globetrotters with just a cursory look at what they do. They are skilled in basketball, and they have fun. You cannot miss either of those things. And their audience has a great time too because the Globetrotters involve them in the game/show.
As with all outstanding teams, whether in sports or business or professional organizations, there are leadership and team lessons to be learned. Lessons in leadership and team behaviors that lead to success. Immutable behaviors. If you and your team take these lessons to heart and work them, you will be a Performing team too. https://davidthecoach.com/blog/2018/1/18/team-building-moving-your-team-to-maximum-effectiveness
Here are a few leadership lessons from the Harlem Globetrotters.
1. The Globetrotters involve others to accomplish their goal. For the globetrotters, it consists of using the audience in their show. For leaders, it is called collaboration. Out of all four leadership styles, collaboration is the style that more quickly leads to a Performing team. Collaboration empowers people and invites people to own the decisions and the pathway to accomplishing the mission of the team and organization.
2. The Globetrotters are skilled. Yes, they have natural athletic ability. But one does not become as skilled as they are without a lot of hard work reflected in their practice. They are always trying to hone their skills and talents. Every Performing team and the individual members on the team are always working hard and honing their skills. And every strong leader is leading and participating in that effort. That is a characteristic of every Performing team, whether in sports or business.
3. The Globetrotters are united in their efforts and passionate about their mission. You can tell by how much fun they have when they are working. To be successful, a team must be united in their direction committed to the success of the team. Having only one agenda moves teams forward. Hidden or multiple agendas hinder the progress of the team and the organization.
Of course, there are other important leadership and team behaviors that lead to the success of your team and organization. But the three quick lessons from the Harlem Globetrotters are an essential foundation for any team. If you can embed the three lessons above into your team’s culture, you will go a long way into developing a Performing team.
I would love to partner with you to move your team into a Performing team. I am passionate about working with leaders and teams for change and growth. Email me at info@davidthecoach.com, text me, or feel free to call me on 520-709-1860. If you like, text me your phone number, and I will call you to start a conversation to explore a coaching relationship.
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