Steph Curry. His name conjures images of lightning-fast crossovers, impossible three-pointers, and a smile that could light up an arena. As a lifelong basketball fan, I’ve always admired Steph’s talent, but it’s his leadership – both on and off the court – that truly inspires me. And let me tell you, his performance at the recent Olympics in Paris was a masterclass in decisive leadership that brings up valuable lessons for everyone, especially those of us in the leadership trenches.
Over the past few weeks, at age 36 and making his Olympic debut, Steph Curry added yet another chapter to his legacy. He became one of the key leaders and clutch performers for the USA men’s basketball team during their quest for gold. On Saturday, in a tense gold medal match against France, Steph delivered a performance that was nothing short of legendary. In front of a raucous pro-France crowd, he exploded for eight three-pointers, with four of them coming in the final minutes to secure the gold medal for Team USA. Even Steph himself admitted that the performance was “ridiculous.” If you missed the game, do yourself a favor and check out the highlight reel for a few minutes.
Watching the game, I was left speechless. His composure under pressure was incredible, shot after clutch shot finding the net. It was a masterclass in basketball brilliance. But what I’ve learned since then has impressed me even more.
Steph’s Gold Medal Mindset: Decisiveness & Leadership
In an interview, Curry talked about catching fire in the fourth quarter and the mindset that led him to take those big shots. He said this (quote courtesy of CBS Sports):
“You’re taking those types of shots countless times in the gym, and you have a rhythm, it’s just being decisive. We had turnovers because we weren’t decisive on what we were trying to do. I knew if I got to my spot and I could get a good release on it, I would be able to knock it down. You live with the results. There’s a lot of faith in it. …Thankfully, the work took over.”
These words resonated deeply. In the pressure of the moment, on a team of superstars, Steph recognized the need for someone to take control. He knew his strengths, trusted his countless hours of practice, and stepped up with unwavering decisiveness. For me, this epitomizes the power of decisive leadership.
Shoot Your Shot: What Leaders Can Learn from Steph’s Gold Medal Performance
As a talent acquisition leader who has worked with countless leaders across industries, I’ve seen firsthand the detrimental effects of indecision. Leaders often defer making decisions due to a variety of reasons. Some might hesitate because they believe other team members are more qualified or experienced. This is especially common in high-performing teams where everyone is exceptionally skilled. Additionally, political considerations can paralyze decision-making. Leaders might fear backlash or opposition from colleagues, leading to delays or even avoidance of crucial choices.
As Steph alluded to, the team’s indecisiveness led to turnovers—an apt metaphor for what happens in organizations when teams fumble or flail in tough moments due to a lack of decisive leadership.
So, what can leaders learn from Steph’s gold medal performance? Here are five key takeaways:
1) Name Your Indecisiveness and Be Curious: The first step to overcoming indecisiveness is acknowledging it. Just like Steph recognized it hurting his team, leaders need to identify what triggers their hesitation. Is it fear of failure? Past experiences clouding judgment? By understanding the root of indecision, you can address it and move forward.
2) Trust Your Experience and Skills: Remember, you didn’t get to this point by accident. You’ve likely honed your leadership skills and gained valuable experience through countless “shots” you’ve taken throughout your career. Trust that experience and use it to guide you in difficult situations.
3) Rely on Your Team’s Strengths: Steph knew when to take charge and when to trust his teammates. He didn’t defer to his teammates with every decision because they might be more talented – nor did he shoot every single time he touched the ball. Organizations thrive because of collaboration, not solo acts. Recognize the strengths of your team and leverage them in big moments. Don’t be afraid to delegate and rely on your team to shine.
4) Don’t get tripped up by bureaucracy or “playing the game.” While building consensus is important, excessive politicking can paralyze a team. On a high-performing team like the Olympic basketball team, there can be intense competition for playing time and recognition. It’s been known to cause tension as players compete for “playing time” and touches. Just as Steph focused on the game and not internal dynamics, leaders should prioritize the organization’s goals over personal agendas.
5) Don’t Be Afraid to Miss: Steph’s final shot could have easily missed, sending the game towards a potential tie or loss. But he took it. Sometimes, in moments of indecision, you have to face the possibility of failure. However, by taking the shot, you learn from the outcome and move on. Leaders who fear missing a shot often miss out on great opportunities altogether.
The Final Buzzer
As a basketball fan, I’m grateful for Steph’s continued inspiration on the court. As a talent acquisition professional, I’m grateful for this gold-medal performance that serves as a beacon for leaders everywhere.
Steph Curry’s Olympic performance was more than just a basketball game – it was a leadership clinic. His decisiveness in that gold medal game serves as a powerful reminder for leaders everywhere: when the moment comes, don’t hesitate. Trust your preparation, rely on your team, and take the shot.
By Kent Wilson