Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Nathan Thomas, former Australia water polo player who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, joins the show to discuss leadership lessons learned from playing the sport. He shares his experience behind the idea that teamwork makes the dream work.

As captain of the 2004 Australian water polo team in Athens, Nathan knows a thing or two about what it takes to win and inspire a unit. While a qualifying medal eluded him, the silver linings of his experiences proved to be paramount. For instance, though the Olympic moments were memorable, it was the teamwork and connectivity that inspired him from pool to marketplace.

Now, as a chief operating officer of a large Australian IT company, Nathan hopes to lead the next generation by example and by letting them be themselves. In a charge to current leaders, be clear about expectations and let subordinates be part of the plan. Don’t just work the structure but allow all employees to have a voice into that structure. As long as you encourage innovation, you’ll trigger inspiration.