Unemployment remains a persistent problem in the United States. Its long-term effects ripple across families and communities, destabilizing financial security and increasing social inequality. Lance Loya, a former college basketball coach turned author, speaker, and entrepreneur, is determined to contribute to addressing this issue.
Lance Loya
Loya acknowledges the gravity of the crisis, where millions struggle to find steady work. In 2023, the national unemployment level rose to 6.08 million, showing a significant increase from the previous year. This problem isn’t confined to the US, as the International Labour Organization (ILO) predicts an increase in unemployment globally in 2024 and a rise in inequality and stagnant productivity.
It’s significant to note that job availability isn’t the only factor creating uncertainties for job seekers. It also encompasses economic disruptions, technological advancements, structural shifts in industries, and people’s readiness to adapt to a changing landscape. The gap between the skills employers seek and those job seekers possess continues to widen as companies embrace automation, digital transformation, and more specialized roles.
Loya believes the lack of soft skills—critical for sustaining employment—adds to the issue. Schools and training programs focus on teaching technical competencies. They sometimes neglect the interpersonal skills needed to navigate workplace dynamics. This gap leaves many young workers ill-prepared to handle conflict, communicate effectively, or adapt to unexpected challenges. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that employers report that many candidates meeting technical qualifications often lack the interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills required for workplace collaboration.
Addressing these challenges demands innovative education strategies emphasizing the value of teamwork and adaptability—qualities that Loya has championed throughout his career. As the founder of The Good Teammate Factory and the creator of National Be a Good Teammate Day, he has earned a reputation for improving team dynamics by focusing on individual mindsets. He’s also known for inspiring Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and schools to embrace the “We Gear” philosophy, which shifts the focus from individual achievements to collective growth.
The man of many hats recognized the unemployment struggles facing younger generations through his work, inspiring him to expand his mission. He realized that his expertise in promoting collaboration and individual growth could address these challenges meaningfully. Loya then developed the Work Within the Work initiative, which equips young people with the skills to secure employment and thrive in the workplace.
Loya has been speaking to students at schools throughout the nation, inspiring them to not only consider the issue but find a path forward.
Lance Loya
The program addresses unemployment by teaching participants how to be effective teammates in the workplace. It prioritizes essential interpersonal abilities such as communication, empathy, and adaptability. The founder asserts that these are the backbone of workplace collaboration, and their absence would lead to conflict, dissatisfaction, and job loss.
“It doesn’t matter what your career path is. Whether you’re in IT, sales, or healthcare, your ability to work well with others is critical,” Loya says. Essentially, the concept behind the Work Within the Work program is that fostering good teammates leads to stronger workplaces. He adds: “Imagine working in a fast-food restaurant and a customer spills their drink. A poor teammate will ignore the spill and think of it as someone else’s responsibility. A good teammate will grab a mop, assist the customer, and show empathy.”
Loya’s teachings are rooted in his A.L.I.V.E. principles—active, loyal, invested, viral, and empathetic—a framework for becoming valuable team members. Participants gain a better understanding of what it means to be a good teammate and a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to succeed in the workplace by the end of the program.
The coach ties this team-based approach to effective leadership. Loya argues that impactful leaders perceive themselves as team players. He provides an example: “Think of yourself as a talented programmer who was promoted to a managerial position. You can be remarkable at your job as a programmer, but if you’re not a team player, you’re going to fail in your role as a manager.” Loya stresses that to be an effective leader, one must earn the loyalty of their team members. To ensure that, the entire team must develop high levels of trust and communication.
Effective teams drive organizational success, and Loya’s emphasis on teamwork prepares participants to lead and collaborate in meaningful ways. “At the end of the day, a good team and a good teammate care and share. I care about my community, and I want to share my knowledge and experience to make a difference. Hopefully, these young people will pay it forward,” he remarks.
Lance Loya understands that unemployment is a challenge that will only grow worse if left unaddressed. Therefore, he offers a path forward, underlining the value of teamwork and soft skills in preparing the workforce of tomorrow and, at the same time, building stronger organizations and communities.
