Since the Buckeyes kicked-off their season last weekend, I wanted to re-post this again.
I live on a planet where Urban Meyer is the head coach for the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team. To say that people around here are excited would be an understatement. They see him as a winner (2 national championships) and someone who will do many great things for the program. Reasonable thinking would say that's the right view. But this post isn't about collegiate football. It's about your company/organization.
Does your corporate team look like Urban's?
I'm amazed at how many senior leaders virtually worship coaches and sports teams like OSU, and yet structure their teams in way that is contrary to the winning principles of those people and organizations. And before you say the two are different, think of how many times a senior leader, marketing dept., HR uses the word "team."
I know you can't duplicate exactly the model of a football team, but think about the following:
- Every football team (pro included) has a coaching staff. They also have managers, but they're usually the ones responsible for making sure the Gatorade tanks are full.
- Every football team practices. This doesn't happen at an event for two days or when a course shows up in their email inbox.
- Every football team makes it a priority to be in game shape. This includes physical, mental and emotional.
- Every football team makes it a priority to know their competition.
- Every football team strives for a goal that is much bigger than the individuals who comprise the team.
Wouldn't it be cool to see an organization structure themselves like a real team? Where the fruit of a real team comes alive. Think of all the stakeholders who would benefit in this kind of structure. Think of how much more sense corporate life would make.
If there are any senior leaders or corporate boards out there who see this as complete nonsense, then how about getting rid of the the word team? A little honesty would go a long way here.