In business sectors where speed, precision, and constant change are the norm, leaders are under enormous pressure to keep teams both high-performing and cohesive.
In our view, two very different leaders — one fictional, one real — offer a fascinating, and let’s face it entertaining, blueprint for how to pull it off.
Ted Lasso, the coach who walked into a sport he didn’t understand, wins over his team through empathy, curiosity, and a crystal-clear belief in what matters. “Be curious, not judgmental” he tells them earnestly — a line that’s really about creating safety and trust.
Billy Beane, the general manager who turned a failing baseball team [no names!] into contenders in Moneyball, proves that measuring what matters beats tradition every time. “You’re not solving the problem, you’re not even looking at the problem” he warns his co-workers who are still clinging to old metrics.
One leads with heart. The other with precision. But both win because they know exactly what they stand for — and they stick to it!
The big switch: Values turn the playbook into a culture
In any fast-moving sector, it’s not enough to have strategy, talent, and the right tech stack. In our experience over the last 21 years (yikes!!) the glue is always clarity — knowing what the company stands for, what the leader stands for, and how those values show up in the work.
It sounds simple but you’d be amazed how infrequent it is.
When values are vague, decision-making slows, priorities blur and then you start to see trust eroding.
When values are clear — and genuinely lived by leaders — they become a steady compass. They shape what you measure (the Beane side) and how you lead (the Lasso side). They make it easier for teams to move fast without losing their bearings.
This isn’t just theory. McKinsey’s 2023 research (“Performance through people: Transforming human capital into competitive advantage,” McKinsey & Company, Sept 2023) shows that organizations with a strong, lived mission outperform peers in innovation, adaptability, and engagement — all critical in high-paced environments.
What this looks like in practice
A leader walks into a high-stakes team event. Instead of opening with targets, they open with a story — a moment when a core company value made the difference between a win and a loss.
That’s the Lasso approach— putting human context first.
Later, they check their team’s quarterly culture data — not just productivity metrics, but alignment scores. They ask: “Do you feel the company is living its stated values?”
That’s the Beane approach— tracking the intangible so it becomes actionable.
The combination works because it creates both emotional resonance and operational discipline. People know why they’re here — and leaders can see whether the culture is holding up, or better yet thriving, under pressure.
Where team building fits
At SongDivision, we’ve seen this play out first-hand. Teams may start the day polite, guarded, and unsure. But when they create something together — usually a Team Anthem rooted in the company’s mission and values — you see the shift. People remember why they work here, not just what they do.
It’s not about performance. It’s about embedding values in a way people feel, remember, and can easily share with others. The neuroscience backs it: shared musical experiences light up the emotional and memory centers of the brain, making the message — and the mission — sticky.
Why it matters now
Fast-moving sectors will always face complexity. But when leaders have the Lasso courage to lead with empathy, the Beane discipline to measure the right things, combined with the clarity to align both with authentic values, culture becomes a competitive advantage.
In the end, it’s not just speed that wins the game. It’s knowing what you stand for — and having a team that stands with you.
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Who are you? You lead or advise on company culture, employee engagement, and retention. Your organization already invests in building a positive workplace, and now you’re seeking fresh ways to energize and unite your teams. Your leadership knows that without innovation, your competitive edge is at risk. So, you’re determined to create the conditions that spark creativity, drive innovation, build psychological safety, and foster belonging.
Who are we? SongDivision, the culture experts. We use the proven power of making music together to bond teams and amplify your culture. For thousands of years humans have used music to tell stories, entertain, and educate. Why? Because it works.
