Why Bringing Your Best Matters: Lessons from Broadway, Basketball, and the Boardroom

How elite performers—from UCONN’s championship court to Broadway’s brightest stage—remind us that greatness is a standard, not a moment, and that every individual contribution fuels collective excellence.

In a world where performance is often judged by fleeting results, true excellence is not about sporadic brilliance—it’s about consistency, intent, and the responsibility each individual carries to elevate the group. One of the most compelling illustrations of this truth comes from Geno Auriemma, the legendary head coach of UCONN Women’s Basketball.

Early in one season, Coach Auriemma took his team to a Broadway show. The next day at practice, he asked his players what they thought. They gushed over the performances, the atmosphere, the magic of it all. Then, he delivered a lesson that would transcend sports.

“You know they performed that show the night before, right?” Auriemma said. “And the night before that. And on Wednesdays and Saturdays, they do matinees and evening shows.” His point was clear: while the performers do this day after day, for the audience, it’s likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So every cast member brings their best—every night—because someone out there is seeing it for the first time. That, Auriemma explained, is the level of dedication he expected from his players. Not to win games, but to leave every fan thinking: We just saw something extraordinary.

This philosophy isn’t limited to basketball courts or Broadway stages. It applies just as deeply in boardrooms, offices, classrooms, and communities.

The Power of “We” Starts with “Me”

Poetic voice Sekou Andrews captures this dynamic beautifully:

“There is an incredible power that comes from surrounding yourself with communities in which you feel small among them, and they look at you like a giant.”

This feeling—the humility and exhilaration of being among the best—is often familiar to leaders and high performers. Many of us have stepped into new forums or boardrooms and thought, “Everyone here is brilliant. How will I contribute?” Yet, more often than not, others are thinking the same about you.

They see your presence as a unique asset. A perspective. A strength. A voice that completes the ensemble.

It’s that interplay of respect and contribution, of challenge and collaboration, that transforms good teams into unforgettable ones. But that only happens when each member brings their best—not just when it’s easy or obvious, but every single time.

Showing Up—Even When It’s Hard

Of course, bringing your best doesn’t mean being perfect. Even Broadway actors admit some shows are stronger than others. The Tuesday night performance may not match the electric energy of Saturday’s matinee—but they still show up, fully present, fully committed.

That’s the bar. And the difference between showing up and showing out is the space where excellence is born.

Too often, talented individuals fade into the background during group discussions. They second-guess their insights, waiting for a “perfect” moment that never comes. But your voice matters. Your unique experience matters. Your contribution might be the missing note that completes the symphony.

If you don’t speak up, the team loses. The mission suffers. And you leave potential on the table.

Redefining Standards for the Second Half

As we enter the second half of the year, it’s a powerful time to reset expectations. Not just for those around you, but for yourself. What level of performance are you committed to? What behaviors will you model, demand, and reward?

If you expect excellence from your team, make sure you’re modeling it in every interaction, every decision, every conversation. And when someone seeks the privilege of joining your organization, make sure they understand what it means to play at your level.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. Commitment. Accountability. Clarity of purpose.

The Jazz Ensemble Metaphor

Teams are not machines—they’re more like jazz ensembles. Every player brings a distinct sound. When all are present and playing their parts with passion and skill, magic happens. But if one instrument is missing—or one member chooses to play small—the harmony breaks. The song falters.

Like UCONN’s fast-paced play, or a Broadway cast giving it their all for the tenth show of the week, greatness is born not from convenience but from conviction.

Conclusion: Why Bringing Your Best Matters

Whether you’re on a basketball court, center stage, or seated at the leadership table, your performance shapes the experience of others. Your consistency sets the standard. And your willingness to show up fully, even when it’s hard, inspires those around you to do the same.

So as you look ahead, ask yourself: Will I breathe through the rest of the year? Or will I raise my game and take people’s breath away?

That choice—every day—is why bringing your best truly matters.