Body and Mind

How to be the Lebron James of Your Office

By Joe Marchelewski ⋅ April 18, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Subscribe By Email ⋅ Post a comment

He’s known as “King James” and “The Chosen One” and at the tender age of 23, Lebron James has already been to all-star games, the NBA Finals and has a great chance to win the NBA MVP award this year. After Michael Jordan retired, James filled the superstar void left by the legendary Jordan. The question is, how can you become the Lebron James of your office?

Here are some tips, insight and philosophy on how to not only dominate, but elevate your office:

1. Do what you love.

Lebron James could have been a football player, a baseball player, a salesman, etc. But, he wisely chose basketball. Choose your career based on passion and love, not on anything else. The only way to make some major achievements is to love what you’re doing enough to press through the hard times.

2. Practice, Learn, Practice and Learn

If you’re a copywriter, accountant, administrative assistant, financial advisor or office manager, get better at what you do everyday. Take classes, both at your company and at a local college or learning annex. Buy books about what you do and read them. Work on practice projects that’ll improve your skills and allow you to practice new techniques. Whatever it is, bet determined to improve your skills.

3. Work on Your Weaknesses

Lebron the rookie couldn’t hold a candle to Lebron today. Why? Because he got better, practices and doesn’t rest on his laurels. Where once he was accused of being lazy, or taking games off, he’s now known as a competitor. We each know what our weaknesses are, maybe you’re a great writing but an average administrator, so you know where you need to work.

4. Be Someone a Company Can Build Around

There are many good players in the NBA, many all-stars and even a few superstars and hall-of-famers. But, when a team looks for their top dog, they want someone they can build around. That means having the right talents, attitude, heart and charisma. Your office needs leaders, because every office does. Your office needs someone who cares about others first, but knows how to take charge. Develop not only our leadership skills through classes and books, but develop your eye on who needs help, who you can serve and who should stay away from.

5. A Winning Attitude is Key

The reason the Cavaliers chose Lebron James is that they had the worst record in the NBA and the number one draft pick. Lebron didn’t walk into a winning situation, he walked into a terrible situation with a terrible team. You may find yourself in the middle of hell, in a company that doesn’t know what it’s doing, working with people who are terrible, but true winners help others win. Keep yourself positive, keep your mind and heart focused on success, and let others see how dedicated you are to helping the company achieve it’s goals.