There comes a time when every leader must successfully perform under intense pressure. Pressure simply comes with being a leader. On Sunday night, one of the best high-pressure performers showed us how it is done. With 5.2 seconds remaining in overtime, the Milwaukee Bucks trailed the Sacramento Kings 142-140. Superstar guard Damian Lilliard dribbled up court and then hit a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer. Watch the video below:
Dame Time
Lilliard has such a propensity for game-winning shots that there is even a term for it – Dame Time. When Lilliard hits the shot, he points to his wrist as if asking what time is it? – Dame Time.
Afterwards, he discussed the shot in the following post-game interview:
To give you a partial transcript of Lilliard’s comments, he said, “Just in my experience in the league, it always comes after a few tough moments. And tonight I thought I had some opportunities to hit some big shots… The team kept fighting. I thought the biggest shot of the night was Brooks’ three in corner, just to open up that opportunity… Once I saw that open space, this is the space I live in, the end of the game, the opportunity to come up big. I missed a couple of shots and I shot my best shot on the last one of the game. So, that’s what I’m here for.”
5 Keys To Successfully Performing Under Intense Pressure
From Lilliard’s comments, the following are five keys to successfully performing under intense pressure:
Experience Can Help You When Dealing With Intense Pressure
Many times your greatest weapon against pressure is your memory. You have been there before and therefore, are better equipped to deal with what you are currently facing.
Lilliard made mention of his NBA experience. He has often been in late-game situations before and is considered one of the game’s most clutch players. Lilliard’s most memorable game-winning shot came in the 2019 NBA Playoffs and eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder. See below:
Difficult Situations Can Cause Intense Pressure
Sometimes pressure is self-imposed. But other times, it means you are doing something difficult. Significant things never come without challenges.
Lilliard said, “It always comes after a few tough moments.” Of course, if things were easy, it would be a low or no pressure situation. Once again, intense pressure is a sign you are facing a significant challenge.
Rely On Your Teammates During Times Of Intense Pressure
Intense pressure should never be faced alone. In fact, your ability to prevail during stressful times is largely determined by those closest to you. For example, Brook Lopez, one of Lillard’s teammates, helped create this game-winning opportunity for him.
Lilliard noted, “The team kept fighting. I thought the biggest shot of the night was Brooks’ three in corner, just to open up that opportunity.”
Opportunities Are Often Disguised As Intense Pressure
The Chinese symbol for danger and opportunity are the same. Successful leaders understand where there is danger, crisis, or intense pressure, there is also opportunity.
The Bucks being in danger of losing the game created an opportunity for Lillard. He said, “Once I saw that open space, this is the space I live in, the end of the game, the opportunity to come up big. I missed a couple of shots and I shot my best shot on the last one of the game.”
Are the issues you are facing actually opportunities for you to do something significant for your organization.
Leadership Exists For The Purpose Of Dealing With Intense Pressure
If you do not like dealing with intense pressure, do not be a leader because intense pressure is why leadership exists in the first place. Pressure is part of a leader’s responsibilities. Lillard understands this.
He concluded, “So, that’s what I’m here for.” That is what all leaders are here for.
Conclusion
If you are facing intense pressure, remember:
- Experience can help you when dealing with pressure.
- Difficult situations can cause intense pressure.
- Rely on your teammates during times of intense pressure.
- Opportunities are often disguised as intense pressure.
- Leadership exists for the purpose of dealing with intense pressure.
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