Make every day your masterpiece. - John Wooden

I believe effective leaders are, first and foremost, good teachers. We are in the education business. Whether in class or on the court, my job was the same: to effectively teach those under my supervision how they could perform to the best of their ability in ways that best served the goals of our team. I believe the same is true for productive leaders in any organization.

James Russell Lowell wrote: It’s not what we give but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare. Who gives of himself of his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me.

Getting your people to think “Team First” is vital. It starts when you teach each member of the group how she or he contributes to the organization, when you make each one feel connected to the team’s efforts, productivity, and ultimate success.