Building Great Culture Through Food & Wine

I have always been a big fan of Gregg Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. He's had long-term success, is hilarious (if you like dry sarcasm), has disciples all throughout the NBA, and from all accounts, he leads in a way that helps human beings be more human. Doesn't that sound like the kind of leader you want to be?

When I stumbled across this article on ESPN a few years ago, Michelin restaurants and fabulous wines: Inside the secret team dinners that have built the Spurs' dynasty, I became an even bigger fan. I love the way food and wine can be used to create a connected community. The article is long but totally worth the read in my opinion.

You'll notice three traits that stand out:

1. Hospitality helps people be human
2. Generosity generates more for everyone
3. Great leaders create belonging

So what's the next step of leadership growth for you? Pick one of the above and start to build some new habits. It's true that most of us can't afford to take our team to Michelin Restaurants and pick up the tab but you could host a meal at your house, hit a diner for breakfast, or go out for drinks. What's one generous act that would surprise your team or someone else today? Maybe creating a sense of belonging is what's needed. Belonging happens when we care first about the individual and second about the project or profit. Great leaders have learned that when customers and employees come first, success in projects and profit follow.