Who's On First

One of the duties of a leader is to be able to formulate teams that will help you work on a project. One of the most difficult parts of formulating a team is getting the right people in the right roles for the team. Just like baseball you have to have the right people in the right positions to field a championship team.

I am giving you some ways you can field a championship project team by comparing each player on your project team with each position on a baseball team. I have looked at pitcher and catcher. Today we start our move around the diamond.

The old comedy team of Abbott and Costello used to do a famous bit called "Who's on First". It was a great routine which created confusion to the name of the person playing first base. As a leader you want to know the names of the members of your project team. Remembering the names are easy if you can get quality people on your team.

A first baseman has to be able to catch everything that is thrown to him/her. They must also be able to stretch and be able to dig out low throws. The first baseman also needs to be able to react quickly to plays.

Your project team needs a first baseman. Here are the requirements to look for in your first baseman.

• Should be able to handle any question or idea that is given during the team meetings.
• Should be able to stretch their thinking and be able to handle those difficult problems that can occur. Stretching their thinking will help your team grow because they will be the ones to think outside the box or champion those suggestions that are outside the box.
• Should be able to react quickly and make changes in the project, if necessary.

If you want a successful project team then remember who's on first.