As a leader are you currently feeling overwhelming pressure? Have life’s demands become too much for you to handle? Are you constantly looking for solutions or even temporary relief from the issues you face?
These feelings are a periodic reality in the life of a leader. No one is immune.
The two most exciting words in pro sports are “Game 7”. For athletes, there is not a more pressure-packed environment than these do-or-die games. Tonight, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs will compete in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. How the players handle the pressure will greatly determine who wins the championship.
The following are comments from the game’s analyst prior to the game. Their insights revealed 15 Practices Of Successful Leaders Who Excel Under Pressure.
- To Excel Under Pressure Rely On Your Teammates– “There is not one player but (Tony) Parker and (Manu) Ginobilli have to play more efficiently.” – Jeff Van Gundy
- To Excel Under Pressure Focus On Your Job – “The magnitude of the game is higher. The stakes are higher…Just focusing on the job at hand.” – LeBron James
- To Excel Under Pressure Sense And Seize Opportunity – “That’s what I’m here for, to win championships. And we have a great opportunity tonight.” – James
- To Excel Under Pressure Be Flexible – “The game will dictate what happens on the floor.” – James
- To Excel Under Pressure Remain Consistent – “Preparation stays the same.” – Dwyane Wade
- To Excel Under Pressure Do Your Job Well – “There is no tomorrow…We want to play the game well.” – Wade
- To Excel Under Pressure Be Ready To Perform – “The Spurs can win the championship tonight if they are ready mentally and physically.” – Magic Johnson
- To Excel Under Pressure Don’t Try To Be A Hero – “You concentrate on your film. What mistakes you can correct to help your team win? You concentrate on your role. Play your game. Don’t try to be a hero tonight.” – Johnson
- To Excel Under Pressure Realize Mistakes Will Be Made – “Game 7 of the finals are tense. They’re sloppy…You start weeding guys out.” – Bill Simmons
- To Excel Under Pressure Surround Yourself With Your Top Producers – “It’s about what they do when they’re out there on the floor…Who delivers while their in the game.” – Johnson
- To Excel Under Pressure Stay In Your Comfort Zone – “Role players play better at home.” – Jalen Rose
- To Excel Under Pressure Do What Only You Can Do – “You go with who got you here. Dwyane Wade has been a Finals MVP. Dwyane Wade won a championship before LeBron James got here…No one on that team can do what Dwyane Wade can do.” – Johnson
- To Excel Under Pressure Keep It Simple – “Coaches are being minimized while people are coming in with metrics…This is suicide. This is stupid…You put your best players on the floor.” – Michael Wilbon
- To Excel Under Pressure Realize What You Can’t Do – “Role players can only help you in Game 7s. Superstars win championships.” – Johnson
- To Excel Under Pressure Leaders Must Set The Tone – “Trust your instincts. Use your basketball I.Q…You must set the tone.” – Van Gundy on James
I do believe James will set the tone. I predict a Heat victory but very, very close 98-94. Your thoughts?
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