I was recently asked how I approach team leadership.

After adding $100M+ to companies across 6 industries, here’s my answer:

“Same team, same goal, laser focused, clear ownership”

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Expanded:

We’re on the same team, and we have the same goal.

Imagine an NBA team where each player is just trying to score as many individual points as possible every game.

Imagine another NBA team where each player is using their highest individual skill and unique role so that the team can win, regardless of who scores the most individually.

Which team do you think wins more games?

Same team means:

• We compete with each other, not against each other
• We support and push each other to get better
• We have each other’s back whether we’re winning or losing
• We share the same specific goal

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We are laser focused, with clear individual ownership.

All founders dream of having a company that’s laser focused, but I rarely see ones that are. And it’s a massive resource suck when you’re not.

The disconnect between what the team should be focused on and what they’re actually focused on comes down to the individual level.

Each individual needs to know:

• What the team is set on accomplishing (knowing why helps too)
• The exact role they play in it
• What numbers/outputs they’re directly responsible for “owning”

And all of it is the leader’s job to ensure.

Michael Jordan’s job was to score.

Scottie Pippen’s job was to defend the best perimeter player, and limit their scoring.

Steve Kerr’s job was to always be ready to knock down a 3.

Dennis Rodman’s job was to get rebounds and be a menace in the paint.

Luke Longley’s job was to be a physical “anchor” and create shot opportunities.

And the coach, Phil Jackson, set those assignments, supported their training, and held them accountable.

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The ‘96 Bulls. Same team, same goal, laser-focused, clear ownership—Champions.

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