This July I was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Nevada State Little League Tournament in Carson City and talk about the meaning of teamwork with the athletes. While there is no shortage of sports analogies out there, the request really got me thinking about the incredible power, and potential, of a team.

In Carson City, little league teams from around the state were fighting it out for the title of State Champion. The teams practiced day in and day out in the heat of July honing their skills and finessing their teamwork to try and make it to the Western Regional tournament in San Bernardino, California, and eventually the Little League World Series to be held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In order for a team to succeed, several things need to happen. They need to start with a group of talented kids. The entire team needs to share the same goal, be committed to working towards it and passionate about achieving it. They need to put aside differences and work hard, day after day. They need to understand each team members’ strengths and how best to take advantage of them for the common good.

Of course, successful teams also have effective coaches–part instructor, part drill sergeant, part cheerleader–that help guide their teams and keep them focused on their goals.

Insert “NRHA employee” for “little league player” and you’ve got the recipe for a successful organization, too. While we don’t have a World Series trophy, we do havea Public Housing Authority of the Year award and four years as a HUD High Performer. We have nearly 700 new homeowners in our rural communities. We have safe, affordable rental housing for thousands of low-income Nevadans. We have improved energy efficiency for thousands more Nevadans and we have stimulated economic development in communities across the state.

As “coach” I guess I’m due to take the team out for ice cream.