A Lesson on Humility from the Spurs

Perhaps the most relevant word to describe the Spurs winning the 2014 NBA championship is “humility.”

John Wooden used to say, “Give all the credit away.” You are the leader. Everyone knows you are the leader. The endeavor was successful. Why do you need the credit? I think humility and credit go hand-in-hand.

When the Spurs owner, Peter Holt, a man ranked as the “ultimate boss” among all sports owners in 2012, was interviewed immediately after the game, he was asked by ESPN’s Stuart Scott how HE did it. Specifically, he was asked “what’s your secret?”

He quickly gave his answer: “My secret is these guys behind me and Coach Pop… It doesn’t start at the top, it starts with them.”

Humility at the top can spread through an entire organization.

It was also interesting to watch Coach Gregg Popovich during the on-the-court post-game interviews. He stayed behind the team and was not interviewed. His actions spoke volumes. Give the credit to the players.

Sean Elliot, who played for the Spurs and Popovich, was asked why the Spurs have been among the top NBA teams for the past two decades. He said it all started with David Robinson and continued with Tim Duncan. The two Spurs superstars were, and are, humble. They set the team tone by wanting to be coached. When the superstars allow themselves to be coached, the rest of the team automatically follows suit.

Something for leaders to consider….Humility at the top can permeate through an entire organization and humility is best seen when all the credit is given away.