Although I can’t bear to watch the Bad Boys lose to the Bulls in The Last Dance on ESPN, the episodes remind me of how much I enjoy seeing the formation of strong teams. The Pistons of the late 1980s and the Bulls of the early 1990s each had to deal with heartbreak and formidable foes before they became champions. Going through a difficult time together and coming out on the other side with more cohesion, determination, and trust is the mark of many championship teams.
At a company, it’s no different. The difficult period we are experiencing right now is an opportunity for strong teams to form, becoming leaders in their industries for years to come. Years ago I saw this for myself. I led a company turnaround in Shanghai, which required changing 80% of the management team. It seemed impossible at the start, but the team in China (and America) that accomplished it went on a winning streak for many years.
Through the difficult times, we grew together in trust; in recognizing—not hiding—problems and solving them; and in empowering individuals. None of us was perfect, but we knew that we each had one another’s back. Some of my most vivid memories of great teamwork come from those days.
You may not be able to be at the office or the factory with your team. You may not be able to gather like you used to do. But now is the time to invest even more in your team. If you cannot build a solid team during the tough times, you cannot become a champion. The championship teams of tomorrow are being formed today.
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