3 Big Ways to Learn from the Heat & the Spurs

The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs both have their Big Three star players battling in the NBA Finals. The two organizations also focus on a Big Three when it comes to preparation, communication and leadership:

1. Attention to Detail via Deliberate Practice: The Spurs’ Tim Duncan and Miami’s Lebron James are the cornerstones of their franchises. Both take a disciplined approach on and off the court and focus on the little things. They are known for their deliberate practice during and after the season. Not satisfied with success early in their careers, they dedicated themselves to continuous improvement and went from good to great.

2. Disciplined Messaging: Duncan and James are also focused when it comes to messaging. The Spurs standout avoids interviews as much as possible while Lebron keeps his PR team happy by staying on message again and again. The head coaches are consistent in their messaging approach as well. San Antonio’s Greg Popovich avoids the camera and can be a reporter’s nightmare. During this year’s conference finals, he answered two different questions with the same one word answer: “Turnovers.” Miami’s head coach, Erik Spoelstra, will talk about his players a lot, making a point of praising role players and defending his stars. When he’s asked to talk about himself, he doesn’t say all that much.

3. Passionate yet Humble Leadership: Popovich has been San Antonio’s head coach for 16 seasons. The team has made the playoffs every year and won 4 NBA titles. Popovich is demanding yet loyal. He makes an impact on his players’ lives beyond basketball. This is the third straight NBA Finals appearance for Spoelstra and the Heat. Spoelstra understands his role is to privately push and pull the players to get the most out of them. When the team wins, it’s because of Lebron and the guys. When they lose, some say it’s the coach’s fault. He doesn’t care.

Two franchise players. Two coaches who get it. Two winning organizations. Only one will bring home the NBA championship. We can all learn from their Big Three approach to preparation, communication and leadership.