Slam Dunk Leadership Lessons from Basketball

Hey there sports fans, business leaders, and startup CEO's!

Have you ever thought about basketball and business leadership in the same breath? I know, it might sound a bit odd at first, but stick with me for a minute.

We are 34 days away from the start of basketball season and I cannot wait!

Every time I watch a basketball game, I’m reminded of the boardroom and strategy sessions. Surprised? So was I, initially.

On the court, just like in business, you’ve got to find that sweet balance between looking out for yourself and playing for the team. It’s a dance of roles and responsibilities, shifting almost every :24 seconds. Sounds a lot like a day in the life of a leader, or life of a startup, doesn’t it?

Way back in 1891, the brilliant creator Dr. James Naismith designed basketball as a simple solution for students craving indoor fun.

He designed 13 rules to the basketball game.

One of the rules that really sticks out to me? Only one person can hold the ball at a time. That makes basketball like a strategy game, where the real action often involves those without the ball. 80% of the game happens without the ball.

This setup resonates deeply with me. Whether you’re the star player or supporting from the sidelines, every move matters. I see Draymond Green, from the Golden State Warriors, as a prime example. His passion, intelligence, and adaptability on the court mirror the very essence of a dynamic business leader. And he has the ball less than 20% of the time on offense.

Drawing from my own experiences as a startup CEO of Obsesh and having spent lots of days in boardrooms over my career, every day now feels like I’m on a basketball court. With each interaction and decision, I’m faced with a choice: to go it alone or work together? Every business leader is faced with the same choices -- I am not alone in this. And trust me, it's not always an easy call. There is no slam dunk in any single decision, but there is always a short shot clock in each decision inside a startup.

Basketball, for me, is more than just a game. It's a dance of social dynamics, where everyone must balance personal ambitions with the good of the team. When things click, it’s magical. But when they don’t? Well, it reminds me of the challenges we face in business when everyone isn't on the same clock. This post comes straight from the heart, I'm fascinated by the decisions of the game of basketball and the synergy to business. The shot clock ultimately revived the NBA back before 1954 when the game scores were ridiculously boring like 19-18.... and perhaps it can be effective in the new business hyper-speed world we live in too.

With basketball in mind, here are some leadership lessons I’ve gleaned:

1. Celebrate Teamwork: Both on the court and in business, it’s all about the team. Harness the unique strengths of each member, and remember – we rise by lifting others.
2. Stay Nimble: In basketball, players adapt on the fly. Similarly, in the world of business, being flexible and embracing change is key.
3. Value Every Contribution: Every team member, board member, investor, or partner, whether in sport or business, brings something special to the table. Celebrate those unique touches. They make all the difference.
4. Execute with a Shot Clock: Make decisions that deliver on offense and defense in short sprints. Your clock needs to have a timeframe, you decide what it is and why.

In short, basketball has been a surprising mentor in my leadership journey – teaching me about collaboration, adaptability, and the value of every individual. And if it can teach me, I believe it can inspire anyone.

What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts and comments below!

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Tracy