The above quote by the incomparable Michael Jordan teaches us much about the importance of fundamentals and elite performance.
First, leaders must learn the fundamentals. Fundamentals are the basics of any assignment which everyone must acquire skill in.
Second, leaders then master those fundamentals. Learning the fundamentals is not enough, it is simply the beginning. For mastery, the basics must be continually performed with intentionality.
Third, winners singularly focus on the fundamentals. The fundamentals are now practiced with an elite level of precision.
Fourth, why was the best basketball player ever so focused on the fundamentals? Because focusing on the fundamentals was what made him the best basketball player ever.
This fourth point reminds me of a story from performance coach Alan Stein Jr. He once asked Kobe Bryant after watching him intensely practice the sport’s fundamentals at 3:30 AM, “You’re the best player in the world. Why are you doing such basic drills?” To which he responded, “Why do you think I’m the best player in the world? I never, ever get bored with the basics.”
You can see a video of Stein’s story by clicking the image below.
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