Every basketball team has their star players that get a lot of attention for leading the team and displaying the most impressive set of skills. An often overlooked, but just as essential, part of any team is the “glue guy.” This phrase has its origins on the basketball court, but it can be just as essential in a professional or creative setting.
What is the “glue guy?” This is a person who has a major impact on a team’s ability to work together. Instead of focusing on his or her own performance, the glue guy regularly works to help teammates succeed. Their efforts might not be easily measured in statistical achievements, but without them, the team may struggle to work as a collective group.
A great example of a glue guy is Joe Ingles of the Utah Jazz. Coach Quin Snyder explains, “He is in it for the team.” Ingles always focuses on what is best for the team, doing things like supporting the guy who replaces him when he is pulled out of a game.
Though glue guys might not get a lot of notice for scoring points or assisting in games, their success can be measured by the overall success of the team. A good glue guy tends to be on a team that regularly wins games and even championships.
The same actions that make a glue guy such a great addition to a basketball team are also present in the workplace. A glue guy regularly uplifts their coworkers, happily providing the assistance others need to get jobs done, as well as helping make new coworkers feel at home.
According to the Yale School of Management, this has an impressive effect on any business. Researchers discovered that the chance of making a profit could be better predicted by looking at a team’s social cohesion instead of considering individual members’ intelligence or amount of experience.
Glue guys have a huge impact on productivity as they make both the workplace and the court a pleasant place to be. They are always willing to lend a listening ear or crack a joke to lighten the mood. Seeing as they focus on helping others succeed, they are also constantly performing many minor activities that have huge effects on how well others can perform.
