Being successful in sports, in business and in life, requires many of the same traits. There are many correlations between how a business leader runs their company, how a general manager run their sports team, and how an all-star point guard runs his team on the court.
Here are the top 5 lessons CEOs can learn from Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
1. Build your team the right way. The Warriors built a strong team the right way. They did not overspend on high-priced free agents to “get rich quick.” They built a solid foundation by drafting Steph Curry and added many other pieces by looking not just at their stats, but at their character. Business leaders can learn from this technique and bring in high quality employees by evaluating candidates’ personality traits, behavioral characteristics, and competencies during the recruiting process – not just their success metrics. Everybody wants to hire a pit bull, but team chemistry and growth potential, on the court or in the boardroom, is as important as points per game or quarterly numbers in the long term.
2. Share the ball. The Warriors lead the league in assists with 27.3 per game. Nobody likes a ball hog in sports and the same applies in the office. Management must instil a culture where employees are not pitted against each other but are rewarded for “passing the ball” and helping fellow co-workers achieve their goals. Smart business leaders implement strategies where the entire team is rewarded if the goal is met. Not only does this incentivize employees to work harder, but it helps increase morale through team building.
3. Be financially sound. At the end of the 2015 season, the Warriors chose not to resign all-star David Lee. This was a tough decision akin to giving up one of your biggest producers in business. While he would be missed, the cost would have crippled the Warriors who had other needs to fill. Business leaders need to also fight temptation to over spend on a good candidate if there is not a net benefit. A leader can see the forest through the trees and is not afraid to make the tough decisions.
4. Build a deep bench. When asked why the Warriors are so dominant, New Orleans Pelicans coach Monty Williams said, “They’ve got two starting line-ups, there is no letdown.” The warriors have made it a priority to not only build a great starting line-up but have a bench as deep any as team in the NBA. This not only gives them fresh legs on the court every game, but if a star like Curry, Thompson, or Green gets injured, the coaching staff knows they have reliable producers like Marreese Speights, Shaun Livingston, or Andre Iguodala to step in and immediately contribute. Great companies take the same approach to their teams by being built around a mantra we like to call “ABR: Always Be Recruiting.” The best business leaders make recruiting a top priority because they understand that finding the right person takes time and if a replacement is needed on short notice – they are ready.
5. Create a culture of winning and be an employer of choice. As reigning NBA champions and one of the favorites to repeat, what player wouldn’t want to play for the Warriors? In business, the same goes – winning businesses attract ‘winning’ employees. Business leaders who want to attract great talent must present their company as an ‘employer of choice’ where great people come to achieve their professional and personal goals.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
