Inspiration, Not Motivation
For the record, I am not a basketball fan and I do not particularly like using sports examples in my writing. Sometimes, however, witnessing an event and sharing the ensuing insight compels me to make an exception. This is one of those times.
On Sunday, I happened to be watching the Louisville and Duke game primarily because my two nephews were interested. But as I have come to realize over the years, there is little that I do or see – or more aptly, find myself doing or seeing – that doesn’t lead me to a moment of clarity or if I’m lucky, an epiphany. Is it really possible to have an epiphany as the result of watching a college basketball game? I’ll let you be the judge.
During the game, one of the Louisville players, Kevin Ware, broke his leg. In actuality, it didn’t just break; it snapped like a twig and dangled. Admittedly, this was the most gruesome injury I have witnessed since Joe Theismann broke his ankle while playing quarterback for the Washington Redskins. My first reaction was concern for Kevin Ware, but I must admit that as the scene unfolded, I saw with great clarity that this was a leadership moment, and this perspective was reinforced by the comments made by the coach and players during the post-game press conference.
While Kevin Ware, a college sophomore who is barely 20- years old, was lying on the floor being attended to by trainers and medical staff, his coaches and Louisville teammates were falling apart. Some crumpled off the bench and sobbed on the floor. With tears welling in his eyes, Louisville’s head coach Rick Pitino instructed his team to go center court and create some space for the medical personnel. All composure was gone. Poise had left the building. Motivation had melted. The game was essentially over in terms of focus and priority for the players and fans of Louisville nation. For all - save one. One young man retained his compose and focus. One young man spoke over and over in an attempt to rally and refocus the Louisville coaches and players. One young man seized the leadership moment.
Still lying on the floor with the bones of his right leg protruding through his skin, Kevin Ware pleaded with his teammates and coaches over and over again. “Just go win this game. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Just go win this game. Just go win this game.” Were his words touching? Yes; Courageous? Certainly. But, as I often ask in leadership development and coaching, “where’s the leadership in that?”
Kevin Ware is a player. At the moment in time of his injury, he could no longer contribute to the team – he couldn’t play. He had no position of power, nor was he focused on leadership competencies. He inspired. He didn’t attempt to motivate, he didn’t deliver the “knock your socks off” speech. He spoke from the heart and shared what was important to him – winning the game. He gave his team focus when none could be found elsewhere. He accepted adversity but did not succumb to it. He remained resolute in his commitment to the shared goal of winning the game. Is that enough?
After the game, Coach Pitino said Kevin Ware’s words compelled him to action. The players that spoke echoed this sentiment. Kevin Ware inspired. He didn’t motivate because motivation is found from within in every individual. He simply inspired and that was enough. As a result, the Louisville coaches regained their composure. The players had a renewed passion on the court, each contributing to the best of their roles and abilities. Aren’t these the goals of leadership – inspiring action and optimizing individual contribution?
Did Louisville win? Without question. And I’m not just talking about the game
Jeffrey G. Soper, Ph.D. is the Founder and Member of the Board of the International Strategic Business Partner Institute (ISBPI) headquartered in Tampa, Florida. As a seasoned innovator, author, strategist, and coach, Jeff's professional focus is on improving individual and organizational performance through developing leadership and liberating creativity. This blog contains insights from Jeff's latest book, Problem Solving Leadership, which will be released soon.