5 Leadership Lessons from Basketball Legend Bill Walton's Life and Career

Growing up with a sports enthusiast father who always had a game on TV or the car radio meant that I was constantly immersed in the world of sports, overhearing stories of athletes he admired, including the legendary basketball player Bill Walton. Walton’s recent passing made me reflect on his remarkable life and career, which offer valuable lessons for leaders aiming to grow themselves and their teams. Here are five key takeaways, each with a relevant example for leaders facing current challenges:

1. Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

Lesson: Walton's career was marred by numerous injuries, yet he continuously worked to overcome them, undergoing 37 orthopedic surgeries. His ability to persist through pain and setbacks demonstrates the importance of resilience.

Example for Hybrid Teams: Managing a hybrid team incurs challenges in maintaining team cohesion and productivity. By demonstrating resilience, such as adapting to new technologies and flexible work arrangements, the leader can inspire the team to stay connected and productive despite the physical distance.

Phrase that Pays: "I know we're facing some technical issues with our virtual collaboration tools. I’m open to hearing any frustration, insight or workarounds you’ve uncovered to further discuss with IT.? I know this is a big adjustment, and let's keep pushing through and finding solutions together. Our resilience in overcoming these challenges will make us a stronger team."

2. Teamwork and Selflessness

Lesson: Walton's role in the Celtics' 1985-86 championship team as a backup center highlights the significance of teamwork and selflessness. Despite being a former MVP, he accepted a supporting role to contribute to the team's success.

Example for Collaboration Across Silos: Especially in today’s hybrid and global workforce, organizations often struggle with collaboration across different departments. A leader can harness their passion and commitment to foster a collaborative culture.

Phrase that Pays: "I believe that by working together across our departments, we can achieve incredible results. Let's bring the same enthusiasm and commitment to our collaboration as we do to our individual tasks. To begin, let’s have a dynamic, open conversation to flush out a communication manifesto to increase our effectiveness and reduce frustration moving forward. Together, we're unstoppable. "

3. Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Lesson: After retiring from professional basketball, Walton transitioned to a successful career as a sportscaster, overcoming a significant stutter. This shift showcases his ability to be vulnerable and challenge himself to grow.

Example for Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas and take risks is essential. A leader can promote psychological safety by being vulnerable and open about their learning journey and encouraging others to embrace new challenges.

Phrase that Pays: "I recently started using this new project management software, and I'm still learning its features. I encourage you all to experiment with it as well, and don't worry about making mistakes – they're a part of our learning process. In fact, I invested an hour building out a project only to realize I was working with the wrong data!"

4. Passion and Commitment

Lesson: Walton's dedication to basketball and his love for the game were evident throughout his life. His passion drove him to excel and overcome obstacles.

Example for Elevated Employee Expectations: Research shows employees have elevated expectations regarding meaningful work, recognition, and personal growth. A leader can harness their passion and commitment to meet these expectations, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and inspired.

Phrase that Pays: "(Name), I want to highlight the amazing work you’ve done behind the scenes on this project. Your meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication and support have streamlined our processes, enabling us to exceed our goals ahead of schedule. It’s clear that you bring a lot of passion to your work. What can I do to ensure that you continue to find your work meaningful and fulfilling?"

5. Mentorship and Legacy

Lesson: Walton's relationship with UCLA Coach John Wooden was a cornerstone of his development, both as a player and as a person. Wooden's mentorship profoundly impacted Walton's life, emphasizing the importance of character and effort over winning. On Walton's desk sat a message to him from Coach Wooden: "To Bill Walton, it's the things you learn after you know it all that count.” No surprise they remained friends for over 36 years.

Example for Mentorship: Leaders need to act as mentors to support their team's wellness and professional growth. By providing guidance and support, leaders can help employees navigate challenges and achieve their full potential.

Phrase that Pays: "I see a lot of potential in your work, and I’d like to help you grow further. Let's set up monthly meetings, independent of your one-on-one’s, to address specific learning objectives. I can offer you some strategies that have worked for me and connect you with resources to help you succeed."

Conclusion

Bill Walton's life exemplifies resilience, teamwork, adaptability, passion, and the impact of mentorship. By embodying these qualities, leaders can foster a positive and high-performing team environment, driving both personal and collective success. And remember, you don't have to be an MVP to make this happen—just show up, be committed, and support your team like a true champion!

At the heart of every sale, every interaction between a leader and a team member, every conversation with a customer…. is a connection. And most importantly, connection begins within. How to make those connections effective, and leverage them for greater success whether in person or remotely, is the thread that is woven into every one of Colette Carlson’s presentations. For more information on Colette’s customized, virtual or in-person programs, give us a call.