It's all about winning.

When Michael Jordan, unquestionably one of the best basketball players of all time, gave his acceptance speech into the NBA hall of fame, I wasn't thinking of a winner. I was thinking more how sad, really, really sad the situation was.

On this occasion, when most individuals are thanking others for assisting them in getting to this special place, Michael shared how others slighted him or didn't give him his due while achieving this award. He went all the way back to junior high in his vitriolic attack on those who counted him out and talked about how his being slighted motivated him to 'show them up'. But the line that everyone is talking about is the one he made to one of his Chicago Bull's assistant coaches, Tex Winter, when told Michael after he almost single handedly won a playoff game. Mr. Winter said, "There's no 'I' in team." To which Michael responded, "But there is in win." I think what John Bright said is appropriate here-"He is a self made man and worships his creator."

This past year has been a difficult one for many companies and individuals. Many of the people you and I both know have had to make tough decisions about staying alive and have therefore terminated employees. Sadly in some of those cases (not all) it was truly about the 'I' in win and no 'team'. Now that things seem to be turning again I wonder if the reputation of companies with 'win' will be remembered as the company people really want to work for? I wonder if the employees who were left to take on more responsibility and pick up the slack of others who were let go will reflect on how they were treated in the time of 'win' at all costs?

I like these questions for evaluating your 'team' culture from Talent Management magazine. How does your organization measure up to these critical best practices?

1. Explicit organizational values are the foundation for decisions and actions.

2. Our work environment builds trust.

3. Organizational members are held accountable for performance and good citizenship.

4. The organization's values are well defined, with specific behaviors described for each value.

5. Senior leaders consistently walk the talk related to the organization's values.

If it's all about 'winning' and 'no team' count me out. Besides if you work for, or even play on the same team with someone like Michael Jordan, you're not important. It's all about the 'I' in 'him' and nothing about you.

If you want to see an example of a sport's figure who understands 'team' and not 'I' check this two minute video out.

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