5 Incredible Lessons in Emotional Intelligence from an All-Time Classic Movie Scene

We learned this morning of the passing of a Hollywood legend, one of the truly great actors in movie history, Gene Hackman. One thing I've learned when any person passes is how much they mean to so many different people. The memories of that person are the ones that we experienced with them. The ones that emotionally touched us.

Despite being a fan of Unforgiven, Crimson Tide and many other classics, the Gene Hackman movie that resonated most with me was, Hoosiers. It's one of my all-time favorite movies, and it's a movie with so many lessons on values, hard work, emotional intelligence, forgiveness and belief. Hackman played small-town Indiana basketball coach, Norman Dale, and played him to perfection.

He was able to take a group of farm boys and turn them, improbably, into state champions.

I played basketball competitively in high school and college, and I’ve coached youth and high school basketball for over 10 years. It’s been among the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve learned about positive attitude, hard work and discipline, all values that appear in my book, The Value of You.

These values and lessons are not just fundamentals for living a successful and happy life, they will transform your way of thinking and lead you to magnificent opportunities and relationships.

I understand why so many of the lessons from this movie resonate with millions today. I’ve listed five parts of Gene Hackman’s legendary locker room speech to his team prior to the state semifinal game. I’ve broken each part down by the true message he aims to convey.

Its wisdom and lessons are practical for all of us. They’re filled with great guidance you can deploy in your life — no matter your profession or where you find yourself trying to go. I hope you find this rewarding on your journey!

1. “There’s a tradition in tournament play to not talk about the next step until you’ve climbed the one in front of you. I’m sure going to the State finals is beyond your wildest dreams, so let’s just keep it right there.”

Focus on the task at hand. Immerse yourself with maximum effort and a positive attitude in that one moment. I encourage you to make goals, dream big and focus on the task at hand. Don’t concern yourself with all the next steps when you’re there in the trenches working on the task at hand.

We all dream, imagine and realize that the moment of standing in the winner’s circle will be exhilarating and triumphant. This is what we work for. And yet, if we concern ourselves with this too much while we’re in the moment — on our journey — we fail. We get nervous. The best way to keep your nerves in check — and succeed — is to focus on the process.

2. “Forget about the crowds, the size of the school, their fancy uniforms, and remember what got you here.”

Forget about all the glittery things — frankly the things that don’t really matter. Especially when you’re competing for something, focus on doing the job to the best of your ability. The more you progress in life, the more important it is to keep moving forward. Yet, it’s just as important to remember all the great things you’ve done to lead you to where you are today — standing as a proud man or woman of accomplishment. Closer to your dream.

3. “Focus on the fundamentals that we’ve gone over time and time again.”

Plain and simple — focus on your values. Focus on your skills and strengths-- the fundamentals that serve as the foundation for you to live the life you want — on your terms. These are the things to always come back to that will guide you, anchor you and enable you to accomplish great things and lead others like a champion.

4. “And most important, don’t get caught up thinking about winning or losing this game.“

Don’t worry too much about the result. Rely on all of the preparation, values, planning and being yourself to do your best. I’ve read how college basketball coaching great, Jay Wright doesn’t even talk much about winning and losing. On your journey, focus on building yourself up to who you truly desire to be. The dreams and visions implanted in your heart and mind will suffice and permit you to move forward at the pace you desire.

5. “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we’re gonna be winners!”

Hard Work. Focus. Competitive Greatness. Dedication. Devotion. Maximizing your potential.

And again, if you focus on the task at hand, do your absolute best without worry, you’re going to always end up a winner. Regardless of whoever is keeping the official score. You will always win when you define success, create goals and then work for them with a values-based, winner’s mindset. Focus on the moment. That moment is really all that matters.

Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you can come back to all that you've built and be proud of that.

Visit Christopher on his website (chrisdconnors.com) to learn more about his keynote speaking, team-building workshops and coaching work with leaders and organizations. Christopher D. Connors is the author of The Champion Leader: https://amzn.to/4aIeJaw. He is also the creator of top LinkedIn Learning course, Leading with Emotional Intelligence.