Here’s why accomplishing big things takes a team

No one can do things all on their own. Some people have amazing visions and a lot of talent to make huge things happen but will always fall short if they don’t have the right people around them.

This is applicable to a wide range of people, job titles and industries.

I’m going to use someone as an example who most people in the world are familiar with and have an opinion about.

Lebron James.

Lebron has impressively been to 6 straight NBA Finals, including 2016. He has four NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, two NBA Finals MVP Awards, two Olympic gold medals, an NBA scoring title, and the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

This individual is the epitome of talent in his chosen path: basketball. He is also a businessman. At age 20, LeBron James left a successful agent who had negotiated more than $150 million in deals for him so he and three friends with no experience could run his business.

“If he were an IPO, I’d buy in.” — Warren Buffet

James also has a talent for being able to take in a wider perspective and think for the longer term, even when many around him do not. It’s the same skill that allows him to see two passes ahead on the floor or the driving lane no one else notices.

He’s grown an empire that spans far beyond basketball, with himself fittingly standing at its helm. With the deals and investments he’s making, he will likely become a billionaire some day.

However, James has a game to play and a huge challenge trying to get the Cavs an NBA Finals title in 2016, a goal seemingly far more difficult to achieve with the team he has around him.

Leadership shouldn’t be lonely.

“It’s this simple. You can’t accomplish the dream if everyone isn’t dreaming the same thing everyday. Nightmares follow.” — James, March 6 2016

The 2007 Cavs team had no business in the Finals and is a testament to LeBron’s greatness. The 2015 Cavs team may have done better with a healthy Kevin Love (injured in the first round) and Kyrie Irving (injured in Game 1 of the Finals). They lost the Finals both years.

Lebron James is consistently falling short of winning the title. His record in the Finals is 2–4, both wins with the Miami Heat .

That’s why Michael Jordan is still the best player ever.

That pains me to say. I’m a Lebron James fan and believe that in terms of talent he’s the best player in history. His stats won’t add up to Jordan’s though. Not because he’s not as good, but because he doesn’t have enough talent around him to win. Jordan did.

His teammates play a crucial role, but his vision and perseverance are the reason they can play at a higher level each and every game. But this is not reciprocated in a way that allows Lebron to play at a higher level. He is at the top. The only thing to push him to succeed are his vision and that next Finals title.

Lebron James has only been the NBA scoring leader once in 13 seasons.

Michael Jordan, however, was scoring leader 10 times in 15 seasons. Jordan’s teammates played at such a high level around him that they allowed Jordan to play at an even higher level on a very consistent basis.

You need a linchpin.

“The ultimate level of chemistry is when you know what I’m thinking without saying a word and we execute it. Visa Versa.” — James, 6 Mar 2016

We all know that the team is the sum of its parts, that it’s about teamwork and synergy if the company or team is to move forward. We know that the leader can’t do everything and has to delegate roles and responsibilities.

Game 6 of the 1998 Finals with Pippen injured was one of few times that Jordan had to carry the team with his best player struggling. This describes Lebron James’ entire career with the Cavs.

It’s on the leader to build the team around them, but at some point it has to work without him.

The NBA draft and the Cavs franchise take a lot of control out of Lebron’s hands. He is left building a team that’s handed to him, not chosen by him. There’s only so much lobbying he can do pull decent players by his side.

Since Dwyane Wade this hasn’t happened. Lebron James’ two titles with the Miami Heat happened because he was able to lead his team, not carry them.

Dwyane Wade was the linchpin in their rise to the top. Just like Scottie Pippen was for Michael Jordan.

When it comes down to it, too much falls on Lebron’s shoulders in the Finals. And the entire franchise falls short.

Lebron James is unique, but his story is not.

“Can’t replace being around great friends that reciprocate the same energy back to you in all facets of life.” — James, 4 Mar 2016

I often talk about hustling, and that results are a consequence of your own actions. And they are. But you can’t accomplish things bigger than yourself without the help of other people. Talented people. Smart people. People who believe in you.

The team is what makes or breaks a growing company, an impactful book campaign or a powerful franchise. It’s what determines your success in the short term and it can hugely impact your legacy in the long run.

Build one that makes you better and gives you the best chance of achieving your wildest dreams — and then some.

Cheers.