Good leaders know exactly what it takes to motivate their team to take a situation to the next level. Sometimes it is a very simple act that can make the difference.
In the 1968 National Basketball Association Eastern Division playoffs, Philadelphia took a commanding three-game lead over Boston in a best-of-seven series; one more win would eliminate Boston. During the next—and must-win—game, Boston fought back and had a two-point lead with seconds left. Bill Russell, Boston’s star center, was fouled and went to the free-throw line to shoot two baskets. If he made just one, Boston would be far enough ahead to win the game even if Philadelphia scored again; but if he missed both, Philadelphia could tie the game with one basket. Russell, normally a cool competitor, missed his first shot—leaving his team only one more chance to lock up the game.
Then Sam Jones, a Boston guard and team leader, whispered a few words to Russell. Russell promptly sank his remaining free throw and won the game (Boston also went on to win the series). Afterward, reporters clamored to know what Jones had said to Russell. Was it an inspirational gem that motivated Russell to do his best in the face of adversity?
Hardly. Knowing that Russell shot free throws better when he remembered to relax his muscles, Jones simply said, “Flex your knees, Bill.” As Russell puts it in his book, Russell Rules (New American Library), “It was about as inspirational as a car manual, but it was the only thing I needed to hear at that moment for us to win.”
It’s a great lesson for high-pressure situations: Effective leaders figure out what to say—and sometimes that means saying only what’s absolutely necessary. The greatest inspiration may simply be quietly helping someone do his or her job better.
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