Leadership- Bring one along!

For a very long time, I wondered about building dynasties or consistently “good” teams. Seven years ago, I listened to Dan Gable talk at a business function. A member of the audience asked a Dan “how did you build teams that could win so many national championships and big ten titles?”.

Great question!

Dan described a system where he spent the most time with his “studs”. This was his term for the best wrestlers on the team. He spent time with everyone, but really focused on developing the best on the team to be better than they could ever imagine. In return, he asked them to “bring one along”.

What I find interesting about this approach is the “peer-to-peer” aspect of it. A peer can be effective at teaching and challenging their teammates.  The results Dan Gable achieved back up the approach, BIG TIME! During his time at Iowa, Dan accomplished the following as a head coach:

Data source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Gable

Dan clearly built up a competency to build great individual performances and teamwork. He was so dominant and his teams reflected his attitude. Below you will find one of my favorite images of Dan and the Brands brothers. The picture is worth a thousand words. Do you think they are ready to be excited for a winning moment? If you are on a team as a leader or player, when are you going to bring one along?

Image source:

http://www.applecreekoutlet.com/sports/leaders-tom-brands-dan-gable/