Sacrifice, deep roots, leading from the shadows and groupthink

sent by Nick Grantham | 10th May 2022

"Teamwork requires some sacrifice up front; people who work as a team have to put the collective needs of the group ahead of their individual interests."

Patrick Lencioni

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It's always about the team. You're doomed when you start thinking that what you want is more important than what the team needs.

Source: Patrick Lencioni


"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

Marcus Garvey

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I was fortunate enough to spend time at various AFL teams when I visited Melbourne, and one thing that struck me was the clearly identifiable and distinct team culture at each training ground. There were strong links to past history and the club's origins. However, they weren't stuck in the past. They just celebrated and embraced it. They knew what they were working or playing for. Players and staff understood the deep roots.

Source: Marcus Garvey


"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

Lao Tzu

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The best bosses I've worked with have always been comfortable leading from the shadows, and happy to allow their team to take the plaudits for a job well done.

Source: Lao Tzu


"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."

George S. Patton

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I was reminded of this quote today during a meeting when I was challenged on a training intervention I was considering. It's easy to create a team of like-minded people, but groupthink can become a real problem. Great coaches seek advice and criticism. Surround yourself with people who are willing to challenge you.

Source: George S. Patton


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