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Winning Teams have players who make things happen! Catalysts are get-it-done-and-then-some people

Every team has one of three types of people:

• People who don’t want the ball – Some people do not have the ability to come through for the team in a high-pressure moment. As a result these people do not want the responsibility of carrying the team to moments of victory. You should not give the ball to these people
• People who want the ball but shouldn’t – This is the group who cannot carry the team to victory but who believe they can! This is a case of inflated ego that is greater than talent!
• People who want the ball and should – This is by far the smallest group of team members. These are the people who want the ball in crunch situations and they can deliver under pressure. These are the catalysts.

What are the characteristics of a catalyst?

1.INTUITIVE – They tend to sense things that other people miss. They recognize weaknesses and strengths in the teams plans and can often make an intuitive leap into what appears a disadvantage and turn it into an advantage. They can also spot talent and have the ability to recruit

2.COMMUNICATIVE – A Catalyst will say things that other team members will not say to get the team moving off dead-center. These conversations become the turn around moments.

3.PASSIONATE – A Catalyst feels what others miss. They are passionate and desire to share that passion with the team. When passion leaves it does matter how much skill you have, you are done!

4.TALENTED – A Catalyst is able to do what others cannot do because their talent is as strong and their passion. Rarely will you become a catalyst outside your gifts and talents. Also to be a catalyst is to be an influencer and that is something that you cannot do if your performance is poor. You must have credibility.

5.CREATIVE – A catalyst will think things before others. They are constantly looking for new and innovative ways of doing and thinking. Carl Mays asserts that “creativity involves taking what you have, where you are, and getting the most out of it.” Other times it is rewriting the rules of the game all together on how business will be accomplished

6.INITIATING – A Catalyst will do what others cannot do. Not only are they creative in their thinking, but they are disciplined in their actions. They take joy in making things happen.

7.RESPONSIBLE – A catalyst will carry things that others will not carry. Dan Cathy, founder of Chick-Fil-A had a saying; “If it is meant to be be, it’s up to me!” A catalyst is not a consultant – they actually do what they recommend, they make things happen.

8.GENEROUS – A catalyst will give what others will not give. They are prepared to use their resources to better the team whether that means they give of their time, spending money, or sacrificing personal gain. New York businessman Eugene Lang on June 25 1981 challenged 61 students at Public School 121 (75% drop-out rate) and became a catalyst by telling them if they stayed in school he would offer them a cash scholarship for college. Today this program is called “I Have A Dream” and sponsors over 10,000 kids. All because one person decided to become a catalyst

9.INFLUENTIAL – Catalysts are able to lead teams in a way that no one else can do. These are the individuals who have influence far beyond their team. Influence is the corner stone of leadership.

Victory is achieved by get-it-done-and-then-some people. How are you when it comes to crunch time on your team? Are you a person that steps up and asks for the ball or would you rather that someone else take the final shot for victory? Begin today implementing these three things:

1.Find a mentor – A catalyst looks for people that are better than they are.

2.Begin a growth plan – You will never reach your full potential if you are not growing. Remember you cannot lead anyone past your own thinking.

3.Get out of your comfort zone – you will never learn what you are capable of if you do not stretch yourself in new ways.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!