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Glue-ism

Stepping Up!

Posted on April 7, 2026April 14, 2026 by Brant Walsh

Speaking of cliches, one was on prominent display during the frenzied ending of the USAs college basketball season, namely, stepping up. That overused term applies just as well to the workplace. Stepping up alludes to the notion that if a team or organization is not having a successful year, then they just need to “step…

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More than a Game, Really!*

Posted on March 5, 2026March 17, 2026 by John Lubans

Teamwork rituals  from the basketball team to the work team which are discussed below: Sportsmanship, win or lose. Free throws/penalty shots. Subbing out. Circling up. Helping hands, Communication-Talking and Information hoarding. I understand there are readers whose least favorite class was PE (gym) and who cringe at any linking of sports to the workplace. Bear…

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The Un-glue Worker: A Pathology

Posted on December 10, 2025February 7, 2026 by John Lubans

Recently, I blogged that the “Glue Player” (GP) or Glue Guy (GG) is a new  management phrase derived from basketball and baseball. The term describes someone in a team “who holds everything together, often without seeking recognition for their efforts.” GPs have other attributes: they “lead from behind.” They let the stars shine while making…

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Glue Players, Lovable Clowns, Jerks, Stars, Schmucks, et al.

Posted on November 15, 2025November 17, 2025 by John Lubans

  “Glue Player” (GP) or Glue Guy (GG) is a recent management phrase borrowed from basketball and baseball usage dating back to the late 1970s. The term describes someone in a team “who holds everything together, often without seeking recognition for their efforts.” GPs have other attributes: they “lead from behind.” They let the stars…

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John Lubans

John Lubans (WSJ portrait)
WSJ rendering from a photo by Eva Baughman.

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