Dear Colleague,

Well, as I sit here in the sweltering heat of South Texas, I am comforted by the fact that my prediction for the NBA finals was “half” right. Without gloating, I will confess that the half that was right was the half that counted most.

In my May 18 newsletter, I predicted that the San Antonio Spurs would win the NBA world championship in seven games against the Miami Heat. In fact, they won it in seven games over the Detroit Pistons. Oh, well. Oh so sweet.

For those of you that know me, you know that I am an avid Spurs fan and I am taking great delight in celebrating the Spurs third championship in the last seven years. The Pistons were a formidable opponent.

Over the last week, my home town of San Antonio has been on an unbelievable high. As usual, I look for the lessons in the event so that we can all get the benefit of victory. Here are my top five lessons from the victorious journey of the Spurs this season.

1. Work through adversity. During the course of the season, the Spurs had injuries, trades, loosing streaks and some of the toughest opponents in the league. They pressed on and managed to come out on top. How often do you let adversity set you back, change your direction, or discourage you from your goals? You just cannot let adversity win.

2. Keep the focus. With all of the distractions that can come along during an NBA season, it is amazing that this team kept its focus. I am certain that their leader, Coach Popovich had plenty to do with that. Even up to the end of the last game of the season, they maintained a laser-like focus on the task at hand. Do you focus your attention on the things that bring you closer to your goals?

3. One team. One goal. The Spurs have an international diversity of players. Their publicity motto is “One Team. One Goal.” With the wide variety of personalities on this team it might be easy to get caught up in the differences. Rather, they focused on the challenge of winning a title. Rarely, if ever, do you hear of any internal discontent on this team. How well do you keep your goals in front of your team in spite of their diverse backgrounds and personal ambitions? Can you say that your organization runs on the motto, “One Team, One Goal”?

4. Pain before victory. This Spurs team went where no other had been. They had to win the championship in the seventh and final game of the series. They had never been there, and there were times when this unfamiliar territory was evident in their body language. However, they broke through and now a seventh game environment is a historical reference that they can use in the future. What unfamiliar territories are you fearing or avoiding that is preventing you from breaking through to the next level of your business or your life?

5. Win with style class. Immediately after the final buzzer of game seven, Coach Popovich gently walked over to Coach Brown to congratulate him. The two are best friends and they demonstrated style and class with each other. Of course the Spurs celebrated with the enthusiasm of little kindergarten children. Over 300,000 people lined the streets and the River Walk in San Antonio for the victory parade. There were no major incidents of vandalism or crime reported. The community came together to celebrate with style and class. Do you operate your life, your business, your interactions with your customers in a manner of style and class? Is your reputation one that demonstrates you are indeed grateful for the good things that you have been blessed with?

I am certain there are many more lessons from this victorious trek. The really great thing is that NBA training camps open up in about 97 days. Who’s next?

I want to express my gratitude to those of you who responded to my survey. Your feedback is very helpful. Also, here is a big THANK YOU to the following organizations who have had me speak to them lately. Tilson Homes, Correctional Management Institute of Texas, Construction Expo, National Association of Home Builders and Allstate Insurance Company.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

May 18, 2005

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