After we receive our initial promotion (usually quite early in our career) our performance is subsequently judged on our team's results.
So...shouldn't we then be focussing on how we can maximise our team's performance?
Toto Wolff is a former investment banker who now leads the Mercedes Formula 1 team.
He is not an aerodynamicist.
He is not an engineer.
He had only brief experience as a driver.
Mercedes has become the most dominant Formula 1 team in history because Toto understands his role: to create an environment where both the individual and the team can excel.
In preparation for his first submarine command, David Marquet spent an entire year learning the technical specs of a particular type of nuclear sub. Then, at the last minute, he took command of a different type.
Despite his lack of technical knowledge, David concentrated on building an environment where both individuals and the team could excel. Sound familiar?
Under David's command, the USS Sante Fe went from 'bottom of the heap' to 'pride of the fleet'. Retention rates soared, morale sky-rocketed and he turned many traditional submarine procedures upside down.
As we progress through our career, be in no doubt:
YOUR PRIMARY JOB IS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOUR TEAM CAN EXCEL.