Stepping Forward - The Hidden Power of Team Commitment

Do You Ask Your Team for Their Commitment?

Taking a Step Forward for Team Commitment

When Phil Jackson began each NBA training camp, he would gather his players along the baseline and make a profound request. As described in his book "Eleven Rings," he would say: "God has ordained me to coach you young men, and I embrace the role I've been given. If you wish to accept the game I embrace and follow my coaching, as a sign of your commitment, step across that line."

This simple yet powerful gesture raises an intriguing question: How often do we ask our team members to explicitly commit to being part of something bigger than themselves?

The psychology behind this approach aligns perfectly with James Clear's insights on identity-based habits in his book "Atomic Habits." When we incorporate something into our identity – whether it's being a committed team player or a coachable athlete – our actions naturally flow from that self-image. It's no longer about forcing ourselves to follow rules; it's about staying true to who we've declared ourselves to be.

Think about the cognitive dissonance that arises when our actions don't align with our stated commitments. Once you've stepped across that line, literally or metaphorically, acting against team interests creates internal conflict. You've publicly declared "This is who I am," making it psychologically harder to behave otherwise.

What might this look like in your organization? Imagine asking your team: "Are you committed to being a productive member of this team?" Of course, you'd need to clearly define what that means in your context. But once that commitment is made publicly, it becomes an anchor for future behavior and decisions.

The beauty of Jackson's approach wasn't just in the theatrical stepping over the line – it was in creating a moment of conscious choice. He gave his players the opportunity to actively opt in, to make their commitment tangible and witnessed by their peers.

So I'll turn the question to you: How would you respond if faced with that line? Would you step forward? And more importantly, have you created opportunities for your team to make similar meaningful commitments?

Because sometimes, the simple act of stating "This is who I am, and this is what I stand for" can be the foundation for extraordinary team performance.

Understanding the complexity of team communication is half the battle. Solving it is the other half. Let us help your team navigate these complexities with our LEGO-based sessions on communication, collaboration, and connection. Contact us today to learn more and see how we can transform your team's communication dynamics. Let's build a better team together!

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