By Thomas Davis, DNAP, MAE, CRNA
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The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (pub. 2013) is a true story of nine, rugged college age boys who united as a formidable rowing team during The Great Depression and became destined for glory. From earning a spot on the team, to winning the collegiate championship to bringing home the gold from the 1936 Olympic games, this non-fiction best seller, released in June, 2013, continues to keep readers on the edge through the final stroke. Simultaneously, heart-rending and poignant, heart-pumping and uplifting, this book is packed with valuable lessons for leaders and life, and proves that striking gold is more than a stroke of luck. Put “The Boys In The Boat” on your must-read leadership list and look for the following lessons as you enjoy the journey to Berlin.
Select the right people
(STORY) Refusing to succumb to the distraction of The Great Depression, University of Washington Coach Ulbrickson, maintained his ‘vision with a plan’ for winning a national rowing championship, a plan that started with selecting the right people. From the pool of able-bodied young men who hoped that rowing would provide a scholarship to help pay for their educations, the coach carefully selected a crew that had physical size, cardiovascular stamina and mental grit. Throughout the trial period, the coach had a keen eye out for those with a focus on teamwork.
(LESSON) Likewise, in the modern workplace, selecting the right team is the first step toward success. Along with having the proper credentials, each new hire must have a solid, proven work ethic with a focus on teamwork. To go beyond learning about the person’s clinical skills, talk personally to the applicant’s references; ask questions that validate a work history of collaborative teamwork. During the interview, clearly share your vision with the applicant so you can determine whether he/she is in alignment with your goals. It’s always preferable to fill the empty seat on the boat with someone who rows in sync.
Establish a goal
(STORY) Coach Ulbrickson was not shy about sharing his determination to form the right team, substituting or eliminating rowers, then training them to work as one to win the national championship. Everything he did in his personal and professional life supported this goal and drove his thoughts and activities 24/7. He had neither time nor patience for distractions.
(LESSON) The best leaders and most productive teams have a committed goal. Sometimes it’s specific to the workgroup and other times it’s an organizational goal. For example, a healthcare team was having trouble hiring and retaining qualified people until the leader set a team goal ‘to be the employer of choice for nurses in that region.’ She gathered her team and they defined what a preferred workplace would look like; then the team committed to building such a place. The culture changed, within 18 months there were more applicants than openings, and the leader’s vision was fulfilled. Having, sharing and working for a goal can turn your team around as it gives them something to look forward to achieving. Taking a line from the song happy talk, “If you don’t have a dream, how ya gonna make your dream come true?”
Train incrementally with a purpose
(STORY) The varsity crew members were not selected so they could sit in a gondola with a girlfriend; they were each placed on a coveted seat labeled “perform or lose your position.” The coach established a purpose for every workout and made certain the proper equipment was available. In return, each person was expected to be all-in every day working in common. As they trained together, the team became inter-dependent and trusted that each man in the boat was giving 100% every day.
(LESSON) The best leaders are coaches who set high expectations, provide the resources and insist on trained teamwork. They educate the team to align with the stated mission, vision and values and instill a confidence in the group that they can use collectively to handle day-to-day adversity. Those who lead and those who work in preferred workplaces have coveted jobs that come with expectations that must be met on a daily basis. Purposeful training provides the team and team leader with two-way protection.
Embrace adversity
(STORY) Neither the coach nor the aspiring oarsmen could have predicted the depression of the 1930s, nor its depth and duration. Neither could the team foresee the unfair treatment that it would receive from the home team Germans after earning a spot in the 1936 Olympic championship race. Hitler’s control of the Berlin Olympics enabled race organizers to place the American boys in the least favorable lane, created issues and events totally beyond UW’s control and could have justified abandoning the vision altogether; however, this remarkable team took adversity in stride, did everything they could with what they had, and discovered that overcoming layers of obstacles made them even stronger.
(LESSON) The modern workplace is a hectic place and the fight for resources today can feel as challenging as finding a hot meal in the 1930s. But, those who stay focused will survive the hard times and come out stronger, more determined to achieve success. While always ensuring that goals are known and people are trained to do their jobs, great leaders empower the team to create viable solutions for overcoming obstacles. Each problem you solve together positions your team to handle the next challenge.
Build and leverage trust
(STORY) In the book, the coach built trust through physical conditioning of the oarsmen and teaching strategy to the coxswain or navigator. The team started each race with a general plan delivered by the coach, but it was up to the navigator to read the field and make appropriate adjustments. The coach trusted the judgement of the coxswain as did the muscle movers powering the oars.
(LESSON) The same philosophy applies in the workplace when the leader develops trusted relationships with the team, then steps back and allows the team to read the field, apply principles and make independent decisions. Avoiding micromanaging and encouraging creative thinking shows that you trust your team. A sure-fire way to ensure that your team performs at a high level when you’re away is to give them the latitude to make decisions while you’re there.
And there you have it. A captivating real-life story about a group of determined young athletes who conquered adversity, earned victory, and left lessons in their wake that remain meaningful over eighty years later. High quality work teams share the principles that brought victory to the University of Washington varsity rowing team in 1936. Today, either through intent or serendipity, leaders are selective in the talent they recruit, the goals they set and the latitude they give to those whom they trust. And teammates are looking for preferred workplaces managed by talented leadership. Get on the varsity team then grab an oar and hop on board with a goal for the gold.
Tom is a noted author, requested speaker, committed leadership developer and superb clinical anesthetist. Contact tom@prosynex.com to book a speaking engagement.