Page 63 - How to Create a Winning Organization

The Heart of the Pyramid
is essential to being a consistently effective and productive leader. 45
That’s why Condition is in the center of the Pyramid, so close to
the heart of its structure.

SKILL
Fundamentals for Coach Lambert meant having a comprehensive
knowledge of the Xs and Os and physical mechanics of basketball—
where to go and when to go there, how to
shoot correctly, and more. “When I am through
I felt this requirement was true, not only learning, I am through.”
in basketball for both a coach and the play-
ers, but for any leader and organization. You’ve got to know what
you’re doing. Thus, Skill is at the heart of the Pyramid. You must
know all facets of your job—not just parts of it—and be able to ex-
ecute quickly and correctly. Being prepared to do all that your job
requires will quickly separate you and your organization from
much of the competition.
I saw many coaches who could teach offense but who were lim-
ited in their knowledge of defense. Similarly, I had players who
were skilled shooters but couldn’t get open. Others were skilled at
getting open but couldn’t shoot.
Whether in basketball or business, you must be able to perform all
aspects of your job, not just part of it. You must be able to “get open”
and “shoot.” One without the other makes you a partial performer,
someone who can be replaced because your skills are incomplete.
The range of skills necessary for leadership, of course, differs from
job to job and organization to organization. Those skills required to
manage a small business differ from those needed to lead a Fortune
500 company, just as skills needed for coaching basketball differ
from those necessary for coaching baseball. But regardless of the spe-
cific skills required in a profession, you must master all of them.