March Madness

March Madness is almost over and we are about to embark on the Final Four in NCAA Basketball. As I watch the games and see the young men and women play their hearts out in hopes of being the national champion, I am reminded of leadership.

“What?” you may be thinking. “How is leadership similar to basketball?”

Well I’ll tell you…

I am not thinking about the game itself but what comes afterwards. The NBA Draft is really where the similarities lie. As I think of how scouts are watching the talents of the young athletes, I think of the way leaders should analyze their prospects.

One of the primary responsibilities of a leader is to develop those around you into great leaders. How are you going to do that if you have not selected the right candidates?

If we think of it in terms of basketball, it is essential that we select the right players for our team. If we pick the right people, the possibilities are endless, but if we choose poorly we may live to regret it.

As a leader, you must have the forethought and insight to identify candidates that are not only intelligent but also have a sense of character and integrity. Remember, this person will have to be a team player first and must be seen as a leader by the other players.

If they have the natural talent to lead and sincere concern for the development of their teammates, you may have found a winner. But if the player you selected is a “ball hog” and likes to take credit for the team’s work, you may be in for trouble.

So the next time you are looking for candidates for your team, remember March Madness and select wisely. You just may be selecting the next champion of your company. Whether it turns out to be the case or not, it’s YOUR responsibility to organize the draft and make the pick(s) you can coach for the next few seasons.