May 18, 2024

Lessons on Building Teams from Soccer and Industry: Insights from Lloyd Fobi

Lloyd Fobi, the Senior Strategic Information Technology Leader at St. Charles Health System in Bend, Oregon, has a unique perspective on building amazing teams, drawing from his experience as a former college soccer coach and player. His approach is rooted in empathy, kindness, and courage, focusing on understanding the human aspect of teamwork. Here are some key takeaways from Lloyd's approach:

1. Empathy and Kindness

  • Lloyd emphasizes the importance of empathy and caring in building teams. He believes in treating teammates with kindness and understanding, recognizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

2. Acknowledging Humanity

  • Lloyd acknowledges that as human beings, we are fallible and make mistakes. He believes in starting each day striving for greatness while being kind and courageous, setting high standards but also recognizing our imperfections.

3. Building Trust

  • Building trust takes time and effort. Lloyd shares a story from his early days at St. Charles, where he had to build trust with a new team by showing vulnerability and making an effort to understand their perspectives.

4. Leading with Hope

  • Lloyd believes in leading with hope, providing opportunities for team members to build trust and grow. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

5. Continuous Improvement

  • Lloyd's approach to team building involves continuous improvement. He believes in identifying and leveraging strengths, while also addressing weaknesses through training and support.

6. Recognizing Individual Contributions

  • Lloyd values the contributions of every team member, even those who may not excel in traditional ways. He believes in finding the right role for each individual where their strengths can shine.

7. Cultivating Selflessness

  • Inspired by the All Blacks rugby team, Lloyd believes in cultivating selflessness within teams. He encourages teammates to do the hard work for the group, bear burdens for each other, and focus on leaving a positive legacy.

8. Appreciation and Gratitude

  • Lloyd emphasizes the importance of appreciating and celebrating team members. He believes that showing appreciation not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the team.

Lloyd Fobi's approach to building amazing teams is grounded in empathy, kindness, and continuous improvement. He believes in creating an environment where every team member feels valued and supported, leading to a cohesive and successful team dynamic.