A Culture of Greatness Breeds Success
Sometimes you have to join another team. Sometimes you must make personal sacrifices. Other times you need to do both.
At the end of the 2010 NBA season, Lebron James left his team of six years to join the Miami Heat. However, this decision was not driven by the desires of personal fame or fortune.
During his career with the Cavaliers, Lebron James earned two consecutive league MVP awards and led the league in most points scored. He was arguably one of the best, if not the best in the league. Yet, it was not enough to win a championship.
Shortly before Lebron’s departure from Cleveland, Dwyane Wade realized he would be unable to win another championship as long as he was the best player on his team. Unselfishly, the two players decided to join forces. With Lebron and Wade on the same team, sacrifices had to be made. Both players agreed to take lower salaries in order to abide by NBA team salary cap requirements. In addition, the teammates would need to share the ball more than they ever had before. There was no room for ego within their team.
The forumla proved to be successful. The Heat have been victorious 2 out of 3 visits to the NBA Finals in their total 3 years together. With plenty of time remaining in their careers, the Heat have already set numerous records and will possibly be regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
Talent is important. Without Lebron James, the Heat most likely would not have reached the Finals the past three years. However, without a reliable team, the same could be said for James.
The Heat’s journey, so far, serves as a metaphor for building a successful team. Lebron and Wade collectively realized their unique skillsets, when combined, could achieve greater things than either would on their own. (Albeit, sacrificing their personal fame and fortune to benefit the team as a whole.) They also realized their teams, without more talented teammates, just weren’t good enough.
The best players are not selfish. They recognize their stengths and weaknesses and know what sacrifices to make. The best players also recognize others’ talent. As the famous saying reads:
“If you’re the smartest guy in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
In sports, in business and in life, sometimes you have to join another team. Sometimes you must make personal sacrifices. Other times you may need to do both.
Often, to achieve success, you must surround yourself with others who also desire greatness.
