How to Win like Kobe Bryant in the Business World

By Kaveh Motamed | June 10, 2011 | 1961 Views

Work Ethic

Kobe works out 6 hours a day, 6 days a week, and 6 months a year. He continuously hits the gym as well as practicing his jump-shot. As a business owner, you also must live and breathe your product or service. You have to focus. You have to ensure your business is fully aligned with your company’s mission. Kobe’s mission is to win as many NBA champion rings as possible and every effort gets him one stop closer to his goal, what is yours?

Competitive Nature

Competition drives people. It’s no different for Kobe. Even as early as when he played for his Lower Merion High School team, he always was determined to win; to push himself to the limit and achieve the ‘W’. For businesses, competition is everywhere, you must understand your competitors and always place a distance between your business’s product and/or service with that of theirs, you have to be creative and create barriers to entry, and more important you have to work smarter. Who are your business competitors?

Accountability

Accountability has various meanings, but the word is typically used to indicate personal responsibly for getting desired results. Over and over again, Kobe has illustrated this attribute on the courts. He leads by example and understands that he cannot hold his teammates accountable for their actions if he doesn’t hold himself accountable for his. This concept is an essential element in the business world. You must build systems into your daily plan that will encourage accountability. To accomplish this, you need to start with straight-forward communication. Express your vision and motivate others to take responsibility for their actions and perform their roles within the business.

Will and Determination

Kobe’s will and determination is visible by anyone who watches him play on the court. Once he wears his Los Angeles Lakers’ 24 jersey, he is a different person. He is focused and knows his mission and goal. He has no doubt. Once you enter your office, you must have the same will and determination. You must walk, talk, and think like a leader who is confident in his/her business goal. You cannot second-guess your decision and must push and drive yourself and your employees to the next level.

Natural Leadership

You must earn the right to be the team captain. You must have a plan, vision, take charge, execute, and inspire through example. Kobe illustrated this perfectly in the 2010 NBA Finals championship games with their rivals Boston Celtics. He walked onto the court with a strategy; every play matters, every pass is important, and execution is key. He walked side by side his teammates and they were all on the same page. Think of your employees/co-workers as your teammates. Every day you must go into the business world to plan, strategize, and execute ideas.

Unbelievable Heart and Passion

You hear this over and over again, ‘You must love what you do to be successful.’ This couldn’t be further away from the truth with regards to Kobe Bryant. His dedication, passion, and drive all steams from his love for the game. He is able to accomplish his goals and succeed. Starting a business is extremely difficult and requires constant attention. It will force you to push yourself harder and longer than you ever have done before. Passion is key and if you can recreate real passion and drive your business, than you are destined for nothing but success.

Just look at Kobe Bryant top accomplishments: