You never make any of the shots you never take. 87% of the ones you do take, you'll miss too. I make 110% of my shots.
Larry BirdRead
Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It's being able to take it as well as dish it out. That's the only way you're going to get respect from the players.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership is about actively engaging and supporting others while earning their respect.
In this quote, Larry Bird emphasizes that true leadership in a team setting is not just about authority or directive power, but rather about being actively involved in the game, motivating teammates, and mutual respect. It highlights that effective leaders earn respect by showing commitment, participating in the challenges, and fostering teamwork, which in turn inspires others to play their best.
Themes
LeadershipTeamworkRespectEngagementMotivation
In practice
Example use cases
During a team-building seminar to illustrate the importance of involvement and engagement.
More from Larry Bird
All quotes βWhen I was young, I never wanted to leave the court until I got things exactly correct. My dream was to become a pro.
Larry BirdRead
You can make all the excuses you want, but if you're not mentally tough and you're not prepared to play every night, you're not going to win.
Larry BirdRead
Practice habits were crucial to my development in basketball. I didn't play against the toughest competition in high school, but one reason I was able to do well in college was that I mastered the fundamentals. You've got to have them down before you can even think about playing.
Larry BirdRead
It's been a journey, the NBA. It's taken me a lot farther than I ever expected.
Larry BirdRead
I learned what my weaknesses were and I went out the next day to turn those weaknesses intro strengths.
Larry BirdRead
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