- Vision Shapes to Reality
I am on the board of a small business. Last January, we identified seven growth goals for the year. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) provide a clear, actionable framework and a roadmap for success. I placed the goals at the bottom of our monthly board meeting agenda so we could regularly review and adjust our intentions towards reaching our year-end goals. It kept us clear on the big picture and focused as a team towards reaching those goals. In December, we measured how we did. We reached two of our seven goals. 90% of companies think a strategic plan is… Read more: Vision Shapes to Reality
- Vision Shapes to Reality
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The Power of Cooperation
Cooperation takes a certain amount of groupthink. Letting go of being the hero to look at the goals for the team, can be a challenge for some. Others give up responsibility and do what they are told denying the team their expertise. Neither brings out the best coordinated team.
My friend Anne Marie and I took over the worst soccer team in the worst league for our daughters first grade team. Neither of us had played soccer, my only experience was coaching the middle school boys soccer team, watching videos and asking the boys what the rules were.
Anne Marie and I enrolled the kids into a class taught by a professional soccer coach. While he put the kids through drills, Anne Marie and I sat on the side lines taking notes. Our second practice each week was a repeat of the class the kids had taken.
Anne Marie and I are strong headed and have very different styles of coaching. She wanted to win! I looked more to the coordination and cooperation among team members. Along with drills and games we encouraged the girls to play to each other’s strengths, pass even if you as the star player could run in for a goal. We made sure the kids all played regardless of ability because the point was to have fun….. And win!
We did win. The first season we went from last to winning the league. We were moved up a league the next season and we won that division. We had a player who could not run fast but had an unusual left kick. We created a play where she would run the right side of the goal and our players would pass to her. She got that goal every time and we won!
Other teams were so bad or didn’t have enough players. Our kids would volunteer to play with the other team. When our star player decided to play against us, I instructed her to pass to their team members and make it cooperative and fun for our opponents. Everyone had a great time and we almost lost that game.
What was it that made our team so successful and can we apply the principles to our family, friends and work teams?
- Every team member is valuable.
- Have a clear common purpose with the drive to win
- Play to each other’s gifts and strengths
- Cover or compensate for each other’s weaknesses (we all have them)
- Commitment to the outcome no matter what.
- Perseverance despite setbacks
- Humility to ask for help and advice.
Is there something that would benefit your community? Do you and other have a dream?
Does it seem impossible? It’s not, go for it!
Together be bold, aim high, work to together and have fun! Your dreams will become reality.
God Bless!
Published 2025.4.10 Copywrite Nightingale Group LLC