In a world where the pace of change is relentless, the importance of building a strong, unified team has never been greater. No one knows this better than Lance Loya – Author, Keynote Speaker, Coach, and the visionary behind National Be a Good Teammate Day. As the founder and CEO of The Good Teammate Factory, Lance has made it his mission to help driven leaders transform their teams from the inside out. Unlike others who simply preach teamwork, Lance dives deep into the individual, inspiring a shift from a “me” mindset to a “we” mentality – a proven approach that has resonated with Fortune 500 companies, top-tier sports teams, and educational institutions alike. With a background as a college basketball coach and a two-time recipient of the prestigious Schoenfeld Award for Sportsmanship, Character, and Ethics, Lance’s insights are both practical and powerful. In this exclusive Manning Global interview, he shares his game-changing advice on how to turn teamwork into your greatest asset in achieving both business and personal success…
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Good Teammate Factory and National Be a Good Teammate Day? What was the driving force behind these initiatives?
I had a harrowing experience on a turbulent flight that led me to write a short children’s book for my daughters called Be a Good Teammate. That book wasn’t meant to be anything other than a bit of life advice should anything unexpectedly tragic happen to their dear old dad. I knew my daughters would be alright in life if they could be just good teammates.
The concept would always provide them with a support network, financial security, and purpose. I quickly came to appreciate how impactful that simple message could be on others’ lives. Almost every problem in our society comes down to people not being good teammates. This realisation changed the trajectory of my life and set me on a journey to discover what it really means to be a good teammate. Sharing what I learned became my life’s work and the impetus behind The Good Teammate Factory.
National Be a Good Teammate Day emerged from my desire to rid my life of self-centeredness. The two biggest “holidays” for any kid are Christmas and that kid’s birthday. I was born a Christmas baby, so I always got cheated by the timing of my birthday. Receiving a Christmas/birthday gift from a relative or having my birthday present wrapped in Christmas paper left me feeling slighted. One day a close friend suggested that I compensate for being “cheated” by picking an alternative date to celebrate what she called “Lance Day.”
I picked July 22 because it was about as far away from Christmas as I could get, and the numerical date equated to my high school football (7) and basketball (22) numbers. I enjoyed celebrating “Lance Day” over the years. But the more I immersed myself into studying the art of being a good teammate, the less happy I became about the occasion’s premise. I grew to want the date to be associated with something bigger than myself. I eventually successfully petitioned to have July 22 declared National Be a Good Teammate Day. I now get more joy out of celebrating National Be a Good Teammate Day than Christmas, my birthday, and every other annual holiday combined!
Your book The WE Gear: How Good Teammates Shift From Me to We has been widely recognised. What do you believe is the core message of this book, and why do you think it resonates so well with readers?
The WE Gear explores the art of being a good teammate. Through practical examples and inspiring stories, the book provides a blueprint for how anyone can become a better teammate and motivate others to also do so. It simplifies a complex issue by framing the particulars in easily digestible terms. I think the simplicity is why the book’s message resonates so well with readers. Deep down, everyone has an innate desire to be a harmonious part of something bigger than themselves and The WE Gear reassures them that fulfilling that desire is possible.
As a former college sports coach, how did your experiences in coaching shape your current approach to teamwork and leadership?
I spent nearly two decades coaching competitive sports, so I was always aware of the importance of teamwork. But it wasn’t until I left coaching and began studying the art of being a good teammate full time that I fully understood how impactful individual mindset is on team success. Teamwork doesn’t happen without good teammates – individuals willing to prioritise team needs over personal agendas. The presence of this mindset amplifies talent; its absence nullifies talent. Teamwork might make the dream work, but it is the teammates who make the team work. Teams will never achieve synergy until they cultivate cultures that revere a “good teammate” mentality.
In your view, what are the key characteristics that define a “good teammate”? How can individuals cultivate these traits?
Through my research, I found there to be five key characteristics that define a good teammate.
Number one, they are Active, meaning they are self-starters. When they encounter a problem, they don’t blame, shame, or complain. They act.
Number two, they are Loyal. They have an allegiance to something greater than themselves that allows them to facilitate their leader’s vision.
Number three, they are Invested. They are committed to their teams to the point that they view their teammates’ problems as their problems.
Number four, they are Viral. They are aware of emotional contagion and their fervor for their team spreads to others.
Finally, they are Empathetic. They appreciate how their choices affect others and make an intentional effort to understand their fellow teammates’ perspectives before passing judgement. Team leaders eliminate “deadweight” on their teams by getting members to be A.L.I.V.E. (i.e., Active, Loyal, Invested, Viral, and Empathetic).
How do you approach helping individuals shift their focus from “me” to “we”?
I create awareness by getting them to think about their habits and what kind of teammate they are. I also get them to engage in what I call “peeling back the layers of why.” I ask them to examine why they act the way they do. When you start digging into what motivates someone to act, it inevitably comes down to happiness.
People want to be happy. I believe happiness is derived through a simple equation: Service leads to purpose; purpose leads to happiness. By serving the needs of your team (being a good teammate), you acquire purpose in your life. Having something to do, something meaningful to wake up and look forward to every day, provides you with purpose and generates happiness.
What common challenges do you see organisations face when trying to improve team dynamics, and how can they overcome these obstacles?
The biggest mistake I see organizations make is they overlook the significance of team mico-dynamics – the small, seemingly inconsequential details that enable good “teammateness.”
Organizations can overcome the challenge of creating good teammates by utilising the “4R Approach.”
First, they must Refine what it means to be a good teammate… on their team. It’s not enough to define the concept. The definition must be refined to be easy to understand, recall, and apply by every team member.
Then, they must Reinforce the concept. They need to find a way to emphasise it. Do they hang signage? Do they wear t-shirts or lapel pins? Do they include it in their email signatures? They market the idea of being a good teammate to their team. Next, they must recognise when a team member engages in good teammate behaviour. In other words, they need to catch members doing something right. And when they do, they must Reward that team member, understanding those words (e.g., Nice job!, Way to go!, Thank you!) often make the best rewards. By Refining, Reinforcing, Recognising, and Rewarding, they increase the likelihood of those behaviours being repeated. Repeated behaviours become habits, and teams are ultimately defined by their members’ habits.
You’ve worked with a diverse range of organisations, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profits. Are there any surprising differences or similarities in how these different sectors approach teamwork?
There are certainly subtle nuances within every industry. For example, punctuality might impact teamwork more on some types of teams than others. But far more similarities exist than differences. The success of every team, regardless of industry, relies on team members prioritising team objectives over individual agendas. That’s the one binding element of every team that successful leaders monitor.
What role does effective communication play in building strong teams, and how can individuals improve their communication skills to be better teammates?
When it comes to building strong teams, effective communication is of paramount importance. Team members must be able to speak the truth to each other without the fear of retaliation, ridicule, or resentment.
A big part of being a good teammate is demonstrating the courage to speak up and the discipline to hold your tongue. You must weigh the value of your words before you speak or choose not to speak.
The comedian Craig Ferguson offers some great advice about communication that’s useful for good teammates. Ferguson said you should ask yourself three questions before you speak:
- Does this need to be said?
- Does this need to be said by me?
- Does this need to be said by me now?
Those three questions can drastically improve a team member’s communication skills.
I would just piggyback onto that advice, the idea that good teammates communicate for three reasons:
- To congratulate you.
- To console you.
- To confront you.
If someone does something well, congratulate them. If someone fails, console them (and build them back up!). If someone is ignorant or engages in toxic behaviours, confront them. If what you have to say doesn’t fall into one of those three categories, it probably shouldn’t be said.
Can you share a success story or case study where your methods significantly transformed a team or organisation? What were the key factors in that transformation?
I’ve witnessed my approach significantly transform cultures on sports teams, corporate teams, and leadership teams on numerous occasions.
The key factor in all of those instances was their leadership understanding the power and influence of an outside voice. One of my personal favourite success stories involves a varsity football team in Fairmont, WV. Their coaches introduced my principles to their players and used Be a Good Teammate in a unique way to reinforce a culture of selflessness.
Anytime someone on their team was caught being selfish, the team captains made that player read the book aloud in front of the entire team. They won a state championship the year they introduced this practice, something their high school had not done since 1946. They continue to employ the principles and have now won four of the last six West Virginia state championships.
Their coaches did an amazing job of building a winning program by building good teammates. Incidentally, the captain who advocated for and enforced the practice of making players read the book is now the starting center for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How do you measure the impact of your workshops and coaching sessions? What indicators do you look for to determine success?
While I’m speaking, I look for heads nodding affirmatively. That’s usually a pretty good indication that the audience is engaged. When the presentation ends, I want enthusiastic applause and people coming up to privately let me know that something I said resonated with them. But if a presenter does a good job everybody tends to love them at the end of a presentation.
To me the best indication of success comes days, weeks, or even months afterwards when an attendee reaches out with a question or to share a success they’ve experienced with their team after implementing what I’ve taught. That tells me that my message latched onto their heart. There’s nothing I like more than having someone tell me that what I said changed the way they approach life.
In today’s remote work environment, what unique challenges do teams face, and how can your principles be adapted to address these challenges?
The challenge with remote work is that it can lead to a lack of connectivity between team members. The distance reduces occasions for in-person interactions that bond teammates and foster empathy. Without these occasions, teams working towards a common objective can turn into a collection of independent contractors with varying objectives. But there are also benefits to remote work that lend themselves to creating good teammates.
Remote workers are entrusted with more freedom and flexibility, which can prevent burnout and lead to higher levels of job satisfaction. The accommodation can also lead to higher levels of gratitude. Having happy, grateful team members is always a plus.
The premise of being a good teammate applies equally to a remote work environment because the principles mandate the individual member choose options that are best for the team and to be A.L.I.V.E. Doing so requires surprisingly little adaptation.
Take “viral” for instance, instead of the members body language being observed in person, it’s observed through a computer monitor. Instead of their enthusiasm being shared through spoken word, it comes through written word – with lots of emojis and exclamation points. With very little effort, leaders can maintain connectivity between remote team members and replicate those important “water cooler moments.” Instead of cutting straight to business, it may behove leaders to forgo efficiency and begin Zoom meetings with conversations unrelated to work. There are ways to bond with a remote team.
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to balance personal goals with being a supportive and effective team member?
Without proper insight, this can be a frustrating line to walk for someone who’s driven. I would advise them to take a deep look at what their ultimate personal goal is and then have them ask themselves why they want to achieve that goal.
There are likely opportunities for their answers to align with their teams’ goals. It may be an overused cliché, but together everyone DOES accomplish more. Sometimes driven individuals unintentionally overlook the impact the team’s overall success can have on their long-term personal goals. By patiently pouring themselves into team goals, they inevitably reap unexpected ancillary dividends. Think of a backup quarterback on a Super Bowl winning team compared to a starting quarterback on a losing team. His team winning the Super Bowl is an accolade that makes him far more interesting and can give him an advantage in his long-term, post-playing business goals. At some point, statistics, salary, titles, accolades, etc. become relative.
What matters more to people is knowing they used their time and talents in a meaningful manner. It is worth noting, however, that there are situations where someone’s ultimate goals don’t align with those of their current team. In those situations, it’s best for both parties to recognise that person is on the wrong team and it’s simply time for them to join a new one.
As an author and speaker, how do you continuously stay inspired and develop new content that remains relevant and impactful?
I am an incessant learner. I read books. I comb through the daily news. I listen to podcasts and audiobooks anytime I go for a walk or drive. I’m the worst person to sit beside on a plane because I am naturally curious. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Constantly absorbing new information, being it from books, the news, or listening to others’ stories, causes me to be aware of how much the world needs more good teammates. That awareness inspires me to come up with new ways to share what I learn with others.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or new books you are working on? What can your audience expect from these future endeavours?
I’ve been engrossed in a pair of projects that I am really excited about! For the past 18 months, I’ve been doing research for a book about how the art of being a good teammate applies to customer service. There is a definite correlation between the two. The book will share the five distinct things that service reps do to become “good teammates” to clients. The other project revolves around a program for schools to use the concept of being a good teammate to combat bullying. I think it will be an absolute game changer for parents, teachers, and communities.
What is one key piece of advice you would give to someone looking to improve their own teamwork skills or foster better team dynamics within their organisation?
Practice self-awareness. Have the humility to look at your habits, consider how they affect your fellow teammates, and adapt accordingly. And then, embrace the wisdom of this proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Those who go the farthest in life are the ones who learned how to be good teammates.
Besides your work, what are some hobbies or interests that you’re truly passionate about?
That’s a difficult question for me to answer because my life has become so singular in purpose. I am completely – and unashamedly – consumed with the art of being a good teammate. I don’t really have any hobbies. I do like spending time with my family and experiencing joy through their joy. We live near Walt Disney World so we frequent the parks. If I have any hobby, it’s “people-watching” while I’m at Disney World. I enjoy watching how they interact with each other. I observe their body language. I look at their facial expressions. I listen to the tones of their conversations. And I learn. It’s an exercise in sociology, I suppose.
What’s one travel destination on your bucket list that’s not typically found in travel guides, and what intrigues you about it?
I have spoken in 46 U.S. states. Speaking in all 50 is on my bucket list, so my destination(s) would be New Mexico, North Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii. Those are the four states I have yet to visit, and there’s something about each of their landscapes that intrigues me. Anyone in those states reading this who is looking for a speaker for their event should definitely reach out!
What’s a surprising or unusual fact about you that people might not expect, something that doesn’t typically come up in your professional bio or interviews?
I had an unusual childhood. My parents owned an aging resort along the famous Lincoln Highway that was a popular destination for the world’s rich and famous in its heyday. We lived on the resort’s top floor and my bedroom was once the stateroom of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Charlie Chaplin. I am also in The Guinness World Records for being part of the largest group to simultaneously spin basketballs on their fingers.
What was the best piece of advice you were ever given?
When I was a teenager, a motivational speaker named Clebe McClary visited my school. He was a retired U.S. Marine who had been severely wounded in the Vietnam War. He said sometimes life can get you down and make you think about giving up. If you ever reach a point where you are ready to end your life, promise yourself that you will “run yourself to death.” He went on to explain that the moment after someone jumps off a bridge, that person inevitably thinks: “You know, I oughtn’t have done that.” Too late. The moment after someone pulls a trigger, that person inevitably thinks: “You know, I oughtn’t have done that.” Too late. But if you run yourself to death, you will inevitably get tired. You’ll see a shady tree and stop to rest. When you do, you will start to think more about the situation and realise that someone loves you, someone needs you, and you have other options. There have been times in my life when I thought about giving up and recalled his advice. I’ve tried to share it with others whenever I get a chance.
We often hear about your professional achievements, but can you share a personal achievement or moment in your life that you’re particularly proud of?
Shortly after Be a Good Teammate came out, my wife and I got a note from our daughter’s teacher telling us how our daughter gave her gloves to a classmate who b didn’t have any. It was winter and the kids weren’t allowed to go outside for recess unless they had hats and gloves. The other kids were making fun of her classmate for using a pair of old socks as mittens. My daughter gave up her gloves – and the privilege of playing outside – so her classmate could enjoy recess. I call that a “good teammate move.” I’ve been blessed to hear many similar heartwarming stories about my daughters making good teammate moves over the years, and they always make me proud.
Outside of your professional roles, what’s something you’ve always wanted to learn or try but haven’t had the opportunity to explore yet?
I’m not musically inclined, but I’ve always wanted to learn how to play a guitar.
If you could have a one-hour conversation with any fictional character, who would it be, and what burning question would you ask them?
Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio’s character from Titanic). I’d like to know why he didn’t insist on Rose moving over and sharing the door with him. Seemed like there was enough room for both of them to survive.
What was your dream job as a child?
When I was in preschool, I wanted to be a fireman. I would pretend my mother’s vacuum hose was a firehouse. As I got older, I wanted to be a college basketball coach. I loved filling out March Madness brackets and watching the tournament on television. I suppose both of those jobs involve service to others, which is probably why they appealed to me. But frankly, I feel like I am living my dream job right now. I love what I get to do.
What is your life motto?
That’s an easy one: Be a good teammate!
What’s a memorable visual from your childhood that continues to hold significance in your life today?
My grandmother, who I was very close to, had an antique clock hanging in her living room. It would always put me to sleep when I was a child because it ticked like a metronome. She passed away several years ago. That clock now hangs in my office as a reminder of the good times I shared with her. It also serves as a reminder that I don’t know how much time I have left, so I better use it wisely.
Finally, if you were to write a personal letter to your younger self, which words of wisdom would you offer?
You don’t have as much time as you think. Don’t waste any of it on pettiness, frivolousness, or resentfulness!
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