forbes.com
Team Players: The Unsung Heroes of Team Success
The Chicago Bulls' success in the 1990s demonstrates the crucial role of "team players" like Bill Cartwright, whose exceptional social skills and supportive nature complemented Michael Jordan's talent, leading to six NBA championships.
- What role did Bill Cartwright's co-captaincy play in the Chicago Bulls' championship wins, and what does this reveal about team dynamics?
- The Chicago Bulls, despite Michael Jordan's exceptional scoring ability, didn't win championships until Bill Cartwright, a less-skilled player, became co-captain. Cartwright's role as an emotional glue fostered team cohesion, leading to their first championship in 1991.
- How does the research on "team players" challenge traditional notions of leadership, and what are the implications for identifying leadership potential?
- Research shows individuals, termed "team players," significantly improve team performance despite not being top performers themselves. These individuals excel in social skills, building trust and creating a supportive environment; Cartwright exemplified this, impacting the Bulls' success.
- What systemic changes are needed in organizations to better identify and utilize the contributions of 'team players', and what are the long-term benefits of such changes?
- Organizations often overlook team players, prioritizing high performers as leaders. This bias stems from the misconception that top performance equals leadership impact. Recognizing and promoting team players is crucial for sustained success, requiring a shift in leadership evaluation methods.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is structured to highlight the importance of team players by contrasting them with star performers, particularly through the extended example of Michael Jordan and Bill Cartwright. The introduction immediately establishes this contrast, and the use of Cartwright's seemingly negative description before revealing his positive impact emphasizes the unexpected value of team players. This framing effectively makes the case for the article's central argument.
Language Bias
The article uses language that, while not overtly biased, sometimes leans toward emphasizing the negative aspects of star performers. For example, Jordan is described as a "one-man phenomenon" and his scoring average is presented almost as a negative attribute. While accurate, the phrasing could be made more neutral by focusing on his exceptional talent and skill instead. Similarly, descriptions of Cartwright initially emphasize his perceived shortcomings before highlighting his positive contributions. More neutral language could present a more balanced initial portrayal.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, using them as a primary example. While this illustrates the point well, it might omit other examples from different sports or business contexts that could have strengthened the argument and broadened the applicability of the findings. The article also doesn't delve into the potential negative consequences of solely focusing on star performers, which could have added a more balanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy between "star performers" and "team players," suggesting that these are mutually exclusive categories. However, the nuance is that high-performing individuals can also exhibit team player qualities. The article acknowledges this later by mentioning that top-performing teams often have individuals who embody both "achievement values" and "benevolence values," but the initial framing might still leave the impression of a stark contrast.
Gender Bias
The examples used in the article (Michael Jordan, Bill Cartwright, Tim Cook, Sheryl Sandberg, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, George C. Marshall, George Patton, Douglas MacArthur) are predominantly male. While Sheryl Sandberg is included, her role is described in relation to a male CEO, potentially perpetuating a gender dynamic where women's contributions are framed within a male-dominated context. More balanced representation of both genders in the examples could have improved the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the importance of "team players" who, despite not being top performers, significantly contribute to team success. This relates to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by emphasizing the value of collaboration and inclusivity, where contributions beyond individual achievement are recognized and rewarded. The success of the Chicago Bulls, attributed to the inclusion of a "team player" co-captain, illustrates how valuing diverse contributions fosters better outcomes for the collective, reducing inequalities in recognition and impact.