Say It Ain't So: From the Hardcourt to the Office
March Madness isn’t just for basketball—it’s a leadership mindset.
Full disclosure, I’m a Kobe Bryant fan. Still. The power of a person who willed themselves to win. Consistently performed and won in clutch situations. Would put the team on their back and carry them across the finish line. Yeah, I’m a Kobe fan even though he’s gone.
In the spirit of Kobe, every March, college basketball teams put it all on the line. They hustle and fight for a chance to win the championship. However, before they ever step on the court, their coach has already been putting in work—building a squad, setting plays, and making sure everybody’s locked in when it counts.
Sound familiar? It should. Because in the workplace, managers are running their own kind of tournament. The stakes may not be a national title, but getting a team to perform at a high level? That’s championship-level leadership and this is how to get there:
Recruit and Develop Talent
A great coach doesn’t just take whoever shows up at tryouts. They scout, recruit, and develop talent. They see potential where others don’t. Once they have their squad, they put in the time to sharpen skills, build confidence, and turn raw ability into real results.
Great managers do the same. They hire with intention, making sure they’re bringing in people who fit the team and culture. They invest in those people, giving them the training, resources, and coaching they need to level up.
Create the Playbook and Strategy
No coach sends their team onto the court without a game plan. They design plays, set the pace, and make sure every player knows their role. They adjust strategies mid-game when needed and keep everyone focused on the bigger picture.
Great managers do the same. They set clear goals and expectations. They don’t just say, “Go win.” They break it down—who’s doing what, what success looks like, and how they will adjust if things don’t go as planned. Strategy wins games and it wins in the workplace too.
Call Timeouts When Needed
A good coach knows when momentum is shifting. If the team is struggling, they don’t just let them fail. They call a timeout, regroup, and refocus. Maybe it’s a quick adjustment. Maybe it’s a reminder of the fundamentals. Either way, they stop the spiral before it’s too late.
Great managers? Same deal. When their team is overwhelmed, stuck, or going off-course, they step in. They pull people aside, reset priorities, and make sure everyone is still playing to win.
Hold People Accountable and Keep It Constructive
Championship coaches don’t sugarcoat. If a player isn’t delivering, they address it—no hesitation. It’s not about tearing them down. It’s about getting them back in the game. They correct, they teach, and they keep expectations high because they know what their team is capable of.
Great managers do the same. Holding people accountable isn’t about punishment. It’s about making sure everyone is locked in and performing at their best. Managers give feedback, coach for improvement, and make sure every player knows they have a role in the team’s success.
Celebrate Wins and Build Team Culture
Watch a coach after a big win. They’re hyped. They’re chest-bumping players, giving props, and making sure the team soaks in the moment. Coaches know success isn’t just about execution. It’s about energy and momentum. A team that feels appreciated plays harder.
In the office, great managers do the same. They celebrate the wins, big and small. They hype up their people, recognize efforts, and build a culture where success isn’t just expected—it’s enjoyed.
At the end of the day, whether leading a basketball team or a corporate squad, the mission is the same: Get the best out of your people and take them to the next level. That takes vision, strategy, and the ability to inspire a team to show up and perform when it matters most.
So, who’s coaching for a first-round exit? Or are you building a team that’s ready to dance deep into the tournament?
Championship leadership starts here.
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