The Power of Non-Vocal Leadership: What We Can Learn from NBA Star Tim Duncan
There are a lot of non-vocal leaders in organizations, especially the entry or mid-level in the company. Most of them are not being recognized because management feels that while they perform very well, they probably can’t lead the team.
I wanted to share with you about a non-vocal leader Tim Duncan — one of my favorite NBA (basketball) players.
Tim Duncan was the lead-by-example star player, who played for San Antonio Spurs. He’s the best on his team and even his generation. Tim Duncan wasn’t overly vocal or emotional as a leader. He has the nickname ‘The Stone Buddha’ For his stoic demeanor.
In NBA games, which usually contain a lot of enthusiasm manifested as yelling, taunting, and trash-talking, Tim Duncan’s non-vocal & non-emotional approach is unique and powerful. Other players would avoid trash-talking him because of how he would respond (actually quite the opposite, he kept quiet).
Tim Duncan’s teammates commented: “Imagine the best guy in the league, who doesn’t argue with the coach, serve the same punishment as everyone else when making mistakes, works harder than you in every practice.”
‘Performance is contagious’ — Reed Hasting, Co-founder of Netflix
Not everybody can be Tim Duncan, if you feel like you should be Tim Duncan within your team or organization, you wanted to have the same level of influence and impact on your team as Tim Duncan. You need to know:
-The San Antonio Spurs recognized and acknowledged Tim Duncan as their leader, but still sees him as a player in the game.
As an employer: you need to tell your team who’s your best player and be careful not to let them become arrogant or toxic. That will tell your team whom to look up to if they wanted to improve.
As an employee: you need to be recognized by your team first. Some toxic superior or middle management won’t allow you. You need to find a way to get the recognition you deserve. Else, you might be better off looking for a better team to stay long-term anyway.
-
I talk about startup, behavior, mindset & decision-making.
Connect with me on LinkedIn!
