“Get The Ball To Michael” (Part 1)
Credit: Jean-Pierre Magnan
Guys like Michael Jordan are the "Go-To" guys on their teams.
If there's a need for a result, a change of pace or a game change, then you would pass the ball to Mike and let him do his magic.
Every team has someone like that. Big or small, sports or corporate or nonprofit, there's always a team member who is the Go-To person. Someone who not only inspires the rest of the team (and scares the opposition) but can be relied upon when the going gets tough.
If you're on that team, thats a great thing. Who doesn't want LeBron playing for them? Or a Messi or a Ronaldo? Someone who can pick you up by the scruff of the neck and drag you across the finish line? Someone who gives you a sense of certainty for success.
The problem with this, though, is that, in reality, it's not enough.
The team is the thing. Yes, one player can be extraordinarily gifted and can change the game, but it's the team that gets results. It's the team that ultimately overcomes the opposition.
Because it's rare when that single player can 'achieve' all on their own.
For every Maradona at the 1986 World Cup, there's LeBron and the Cavaliers in 2018, or a Messi and Argentina at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. For all the amazing and expensive talent across the English Premier League in the 2015-2016 season, it was Leicester City (a team that cost a fraction of the rest) that won the league.
Because we play in team sports. We have roles and we each have to pull our weight. We each have our strengths, we excel in specific areas and we contribute to the cause.
Yes, the star performer can spur us on, transform the momentum and even carry us for a little while, but it is our collective contribution that really moves the needle. Especially over the long term. That’s what wins us the deal, the championship, that gets us the ring.
So while we should value the high performer, the star, we need to lessen our mental (and actual) dependence on them. Let's not rely on them solely, instead let's build on all of the strengths across our team. Let's reinforce the depth we need in all areas.
Because while the Bulls had Jordan, they also had Pippen and Rodman and Kerr and more. A team. A cohesive unit that worked and delivered together.
Thats why Jordan has six championship rings.
