How my 15-year-old son’s baseball team taught me a thing or two about running a successful business
Ah, the sweet smell of freshly cut grass, the crack of the bat, and the roar of the crowd! Opening day of Major League Baseball is upon us once again, friends, and for me, even more importantly, it’s time for dad to help some teenage kids enjoy the sport.
This time of year always gets me reminiscing about my days playing catch with my dad, and now I get to do the same with my son while coaching my 15-year-old’s baseball team.
I can’t help but notice the striking parallels between baseball and business and how the lessons learned on the field can provide invaluable insights for business owners everywhere.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into three home-run lessons from baseball that’ll have you knocking your business goals out of the park!
1. The Importance of Team Chemistry
As any baseball coach knows, you can have a roster full of MVPs, but you won’t win many games if they don’t gel as a team. The same holds true in business. You might have the most talented employees in the world, but if they can’t work together effectively, your company’s performance will suffer.
Focus on fostering a positive company culture and encourage collaboration and communication. Regular team-building exercises and open communication channels can help employees feel more connected and committed to the company’s success. Remember, in baseball and business alike, there’s no “I” in “team!”
I like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). A friend sent me the book Traction by Gino Wickman. I’ve been hooked ever since. Some entrepreneurs find it a little rigid, but I believe it helps create the structure needed to foster team chemistry.
Nobody can function without plans and frameworks, just like computers can’t function without operating systems. Once you align your team with the right vision, you can get traction by following processes. The team meetings keep everybody on the same page, which helps the relationships grow and, therefore, can help with the chemistry as well
2. Recognizing and Utilizing Individual Strengths
In baseball, each player has a unique set of skills that contribute to the team’s overall success. Whether it’s a pitcher with a killer fastball, a slugger who can hit it out of the park, or a shortstop with lightning-fast reflexes, these individual strengths make the team stronger as a whole.
In the business world, it’s crucial to recognize and capitalize on the unique talents and abilities of each team member. By assigning tasks and projects that align with their strengths, you’ll not only boost productivity but also increase job satisfaction and employee engagement. It’s a win-win!
I’m a huge believer in the Strategic Coach Unique Ability program. You’ve likely taken personality and aptitude tests before, but have you ever applied them? You need to find what you and your team are best at and focus on becoming world-class. This fits right in with the 80/20 rule. If you want to take this to another level for hiring and recruiting, that’s what one of our contributing authors, Grant Robinson does at People Values.
