Leadership Quotes From Game 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ2Xv6iVRpw

72% of all individuals who earn six figure incomes describe themselves as avid sports fans.  It really makes sense when you think about.  Sports is similar to the world they live in.  It is competitive, requires teamwork, overcoming adversity, preparation, aligned leadership, in-game adjustments, compensation issues, and ultimately it’s measurable.  Somebody wins and somebody loses.

Nowhere is this healthy tension captured better than in a Game 7 environment like last evening’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics (www.nba.com).  Listed below are 16 leadership quotes captured during the process of watching the game.  Read them and reflect on the impact they can have on your organization.

Pre-Game

1. It takes heart, uncanny strength and energy. – Kevin Garnett
2. Two titles mean you’re elite. – Jon Barry referring to the Celtics Big Three
3. Be an agitator, not a retaliator. – Doc Rivers
4. Six games of history influence the 7th game. – Michael Wilbon (www.twitter.com/michaelwilbonsaid)
5. If you come out of your skin, you’re out of character.  However, if you increase your activity but stay in character you will win…Manage the magnitude of the moment. – Phil Jackson
6. Worry about the process of a Game 7, not the result. – Jon Barry (www.espn.com)
7. Recognize there are four other guys out there with you…Little things are the difference between winning and losing. – Derek Fisher’s message to the younger players.
8. Kobe is playing for a statue (legacy) in front of the Staples Center. – Magic Johnson
9. Game 7s are about effort adjustment. – Jeff Van Gundy
10. The Lakers are at their best when Kobe gets help.  The Celtics are at their best when Pierce gets help from the team leaders. – Mark Jackson

In-Game

1. After the 1st quarter it was noted that in these play-offs, teams were 61-18 and 6-0 in this series when they won the initial quarter.  Note – you never have to recover from a good start.
2. If Kobe loses, his legacy is intact (Magic), it’s the Laker-Celtic legacy that is affected.  It’s not about titles, he is one of the greats (Barry).

Post Game

1. We understand how bad the city wanted it.  This is the sweetest one because of how hard it was. – Kobe Bryant on The Staples Center platform.
2. What’s my personal feelings?  I’ve got one more than Shaq. – Kobe Bryant post-game interview
3. We believed we could win.  We just didn’t know how…Winning a 5th title means I can now have dinner with Magic. – More Kobe
4. Every series needs important role players to make key plays at critical times…Celtics went to isolation too much. – Tim Legler

Later this weekend I will be posting a blog called The Two Most Exciting Words which will be a post providing leadership lessons from Game 7.  Look for it and let me know your thoughts as well.