As a small business owner and elite athlete, I can draw a number of parallels between the business and sporting worlds. Highly-functional teams, be they in the boardroom or on the water, are comprised of individuals working toward a common goal or outcome. In both worlds, competition is fierce, margins can be tight, and hard work is paramount. It is crucial for all teammates to know the desired outcome, goals, and measurables before they ever set foot in the office or in the boat; I strive to ensure that my teams at Gentle Giant are all rowing in the same direction.