Leadership & Basketball: Are YOU Championship Material?

I have loved the game of basketball since I was a little girl. Why? Because it has taught me some of the most valuable lessons in leadership. Watching basketball, taught me that talent is not enough. The NBA is full of talented athletes from top schools around the nation. Yet, many of them never win a championship. Why? Because life has a way of throwing opposition our way that makes us question if we really are championship material. Once we stop believing we are championship material, our actions reflect our belief (e.g., we stop practicing) and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Michael Jordan never won an NBA championship during his first 7 years in the league. Jealous players in the All Star game refused to pass him the ball, he missed 64 games his 2nd season due to a broken foot, and lost in the finals consistently since his opponents double and triple teamed him every time he touched the ball. Yet, instead of mentally conceding that he wasn’t championship material, he continued practicing, learning, and growing. As a result, he is the greatest player in history with an unprecedented 6 NBA championships. Being presented the "Magic Maker” award during this week’s Orlando Magic game reminded me of two things: (1) why I love basketball and (2) why despite life’s obstacles, I must always believe that I am still championship material.

California -- SDSU Leadership Summit

I just returned from being the keynote speaker at the San Diego State University Leadership Summit. It was a great experience! I was able to connect with so many wonderful college and graduate students. I remember being in their position. Longing to be successful but unsure of the path. I shared with them many of the principles that allowed me to find success both professionally and personally. The most important, being choosing to maintain your values. In our society, we watch leaders rise and fall more than the cost of gasoline. Its not that they lack talent. More often, they lack the character to sustain them in their positions of success. No one is perfect...especially not me. Yet, every day, I try to remind myself of my values and ask God's help in upholding them. Values such as treating everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of how rude they are to me. Using self control and discipline over the words I speak to myself and others. Sacrificing for those around me. And making every decision while considering the individuals that it will impact, as opposed to selfishly only considering myself. Short term success might be attained from breaking the rules. But long term success and true peace of mind, is only found in maintaining your values.