“If you have to… you can blame me.”

I think there are times which are defining moments in leadership.  Such a moment happened last evening.  Allow me to contrast two individuals who had the same job but demonstrated completely different actions during personal and organizational times of crisis.

First, let’s watch the video of the then-Los Angeles Lakers President Of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson stepping down from his position on April 9th.

Now let’s contract Johnson’s comments with the Golden State Warriors President Of Basketball Operations Bob Myers.  Myers stepped up to the podium for the post-game news conference after superstar Kevin Durant injured his Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.  Watch Myers’ comments.

Now let’s contrast the two president of basketball operations:

1. Bob Myers stepped up front to address the issue.  Magic Johnson left out the side door.
2. Bob Myers did something which was hard and uncomfortable.  Magic Johnson did what was easy and comfortable.
3. Bob Myers was emotionally invested in his employees.  Magic Johnson walked out on his employees without telling anyone.
4. Bob Myers took the blame for Durant’s injury.  Magic Johnson blamed Rob Pelinka for the Lakers dysfunction.
5. Bob Myers protected Steve Kerr, the team’s medical staff, and the entire Warriors organization by taking the hard questions.  Magic Johnson did not tell his “sister” owner Jeannie Buss about his resignation forcing her to find out through the media.
6. Bob Myers protected the Warriors’ organization.  Magic Johnson protected himself.
7.  Bob Myers puts the team first by rarely doing news conferences.  Magic Johnson put himself first by calling an impromptu news conference and making other numerous public appearances.
8. Bob Myers deeply cares about the Warriors players as people.  Magic Johnson deeply cared about tweeting the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade.
9. Bob Myers’ team has been in the NBA Finals five years in a row.  Magic Johnson’s team was in the NBA lottery.
10. Bob Myers was the embodiment of the Warriors’ culture.  Sadly, Magic Johnson was also the embodiment of the Lakers’ culture.

This is profile of two different leaders with the same positions in the same profession.  Which one would you prefer to follow?

For more on Johnson’s resignation read My Thoughts On Magic Johnson’s Appearance on First Take From A Leadership Perspective.

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