Leadership Motivation

Last week the Phoenix Suns played the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals.  They had no chance in Game 1, and Game 2 they were down by half time. And during the locker room speech, the Suns’ coach, Alvin Gentry tried to get his team motivated with a little Leadership Motivation.

We, as viewers got a chance to hear a few of his ‘choice’ words and after he said them, I knew there was no way that the Suns would win game 2.

I’m trying to remember it verbatim, but I can’t. But I do remember when I watched and heard I was shocked at the words that came out of his mouth. It was all for good intentions and meant to motivate the team.

He said something like this:

“If we are going to go down, lets go down fighting.” Paraphrased Alvin Gentry Quote

This is far from a motivational sports quote! They still had a half a game to go. Their potential to win was HALF FULL and not half empty. Yet – Alvin Gentry had already resorted to a loss, and that being said, told them to go ‘down’ fighting.

I’ve had similar experiences as an assistant Little League coach.  The Head Coach, as innocent as it may be, has signed in for a loss as soon as the first inning mumbling – “We’ve lost this game already” on numerous occasions.

Now, the kids don’t usually hear this statement, but coaches do. And just by inheriting this attitude of negativity where does it go? In some way it will always be impressed upon everyone around him – the coaches and the kids – even if they did not hear him.

Here’s a lesson to be learned: Never go into a game with any feeling that you will lose. From beginning to end. From team sports to a video game you play with friends.

It doesn’t stop there. Leadership Motivation is within all of us. We are all leaders in some way – we just need to discover it. That being the case, your leadership begins with you in every aspect of life. Not just sports.

So it starts and ends with everything you say, do, touch, see or believe. Sports is a great example of leadership because there are so many great athletes who lead by example. Apply that in your every day life – that’s how to achieve success – that’s how to become a leader.

Other related articles:

“Motivational Sports Quotes – The 6 W’s“
“You miss every shot you don’t take”
“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.“

Oh, and check out these great programs to success:
“Goal Setting Template – what are goals?”
“How to change your life – Six Minutes to Success”
“Achieve Success – Kick Excuses Goodbye!”

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