Start by Building a Team.

Several years ago I was asked to coach a little league baseball team. It's the only time I've done so.  Not that I wouldn't enjoy doing it more often, but I mention this instance simply as an illustration.

My roster ended up being comprised primarily of a bunch of randomly selected kids...and these kids were young enough that most had little (if any) experience. Although I took opportunity at each practice to teach basic individual baseball skills, believe it or not, my main objective was to simply get them to think and work together. It's amazing what you can do with a bunch of kids (people) that will work together!

To make a long story short, despite an average season, our season highlight came about mid-way through. We were playing the team with the most talent and a better record. We had already however, in the short time I'd had them, been able to develop an understanding of individual roles, but more importantly, we'd started to think like a team. We ended up surprising everyone (including ourselves) by beating them, and not because of any one play or player; we beat them as a team. For me and probably several parents it was a shining illustration of what can happen when you get an average (or below) bunch on the same page.

One of the most effective ways a leader can create a culture of success is by team building. When a leader unites his or her team under a common cause and cultivates a "we" mentality rather than several personal goals, they're well on their way to a more successful outcome.

You start by letting each member of the organization be assured they are part of the success formula. Every single member has value- none exempt. Whenever possible, verbally communicate that value- it's generally perceived as more genuine. As members begin to realize they're an integral part of the overall success of the organization, they gain confidence and are more apt to freely contribute.

Too often, leaders become possessive of the organization, to the point that it couldn't succeed without them. True, it takes the skills of leadership to properly facilitate success; however, only a fool would think they're the "be all, end all". End all maybe...but it won't be the end they had in mind!

Where do I start?

If I had only counted the times I've watched others accomplish greatness and thought, "I would've loved to have done that". My heart swells as I take account of those who have passionately pursued a dream- and succeeded. I've always had this affinity for people like that; people who've accomplished great things- things beyond the ordinary. I yearn to do likewise; I think I'm wired that way.

However, does accomplishing "great things" have to be relegated to a select few? I've never been content to live in the successes of others; and yet too often, I've found myself doing the very thing I don't like...sitting in the grandstands...watching...wishing, all along wanting to be on the field. I realize there are some who are content to watch. I'm not.

So what is it that moves some to get going, to elevate themselves above the mundane? I've thought about it many times. I mean, are certain people given special grace to scale the mountains that stood between them and their dreams? Obviously, people differ in ability. But surely it can't be as easy as the obvious...or can it?

When my wife and I set out to teach our sons to walk at 10 months old, there was nothing special that suddenly rose up inside. Not that I remember anyway! No goosebumps just bumps to the head and knees. However, after several weeks of hand holding and help, we realized it was time and they were ready. With a little coercing, they eventually started to take those first short steps. Wobbly though they were, they were their own! And those steps would soon transform their lives, elevating them to the next level of lifes experiences.

Could getting started toward the fulfilling of dreams be as simple and as close as just a few short, wobbly steps?