By , Jason Kulpa
Published May 03, 2016
Sports metaphors are pervasive in the startup world for a reason: Business is a high-stakes game. When your company is rounding first base, home plate seems far away, which is why strong, unwavering leadership is crucial.
Related: 3 Steps to Creating an Inspiring Workplace
Entrepreneurs can take a page from great coaches, such as Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs, whose team made it to the playoffs of the World Series. While Maddon may not have coached the National League's ultimate champs (go, Mets!), much less the final American League champs (congrats, Royals!), he has an innate ability to build trust with his players, inspiring fantastic success while keeping things light. The pennant race may be over, but Maddon’s infectious confidence and charisma, as well as the coordinated energy he inspires in his team, haven't dimmed.
Excellent business leaders are usually great coaches, too. They have a knack for coaxing greatness from employees, forging a disparate group of talent into a cohesive team and creating a culture of team spirit.
Maddon’s style is one that we’ve tried to emulate at Underground Elephant. We balance the intensity of the business with fun events and surprises, to craft a relaxed environment focused on building relationships with our “players.” While Maddon, as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, once brought penguins into his team's locker room to, in his words, “chill” out the vibe in the clubhouse, we have surprise mariachi trios serenade our office and snake charmers do their thing before a big company meeting.
Truthfully, though, it isn’t the flashy gimmicks that keep the Cubs and the Underground Elephant teams motivated -- it’s that underlying culture of leadership that rallies support in order to instill a sense of bonded community.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to field not only the best players, but also the best team possible. You can have the greatest talent in the world, but if individual members don’t play well with others, you have to get rid of them. Your sales guy may bring in a mountain of business, but if he refuses to work with your marketing and fulfillment departments, he’s a net loss for your organization.
Related: The New Horizons Pluto Mission Is Mind Blowing, and a Great Inspiration for Entrepreneurs
Implement the following coaching principles into your leadership strategy, and you’ll be on your way to a strong, cohesive team:
This past baseball season, we got to see great coaches like Maddon lead their teams to glory or heartbreak. Take note of what makes these coaches shine, and use those same tips as you build your own team, take the field and charge!
Related: 6 Ways to Motivate Individuals to Become a Winning Team
https://www.foxnews.com/us/what-world-series-fans-and-entrepreneurs-can-learn-from-cubs-coach-joe-maddon