HBR On Leadership

NBA Star Chris Paul on Communicating as a Leader

Jul 31, 2024

In this engaging talk, basketball legend Chris Paul shares insights from his illustrious career. As the former president of the National Basketball Players Association, he discusses the critical impact of mentorship and effective communication on leadership. Paul highlights how key figures shaped his journey, emphasizing resilience in the face of challenges. He reflects on leading during turbulent times in the NBA and the importance of advocacy for social justice. With personal anecdotes, he illustrates how athletes can create meaningful change both on and off the court.

32:22

Episode guests

Chris Paul

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Quick takeaways

Chris Paul highlights the significance of mentorship in shaping leadership qualities and fostering resilience in both personal and professional growth.

Effective communication, especially in high-pressure situations, is essential for leaders to ensure that all team members feel heard and valued.

Deep dives

The Impact of Mentorship

Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development, as illustrated by Chris Paul's experiences with his various mentors throughout his life. His grandfather, known for his strong work ethic and community support, instilled the importance of hard work and resilience in Paul from a young age. This foundational lesson shaped not only Paul's approach to his basketball career but also his desire to uplift others, as seen in his mentorship of younger players in the NBA. Paul emphasizes that good communication is vital in these mentorship relationships, as it enables leaders to effectively guide those they mentor.

Intro

2min

Mentorship and Resilience in Sport

14min

Embracing Leadership in Times of Turmoil

2min

Leadership and Advocacy in the NBA

9min

Navigating Endorsements and Partnerships Beyond Sports

2min

Building a Lasting Legacy

4min

Most of us can point to a few key people who have made a real difference in our lives and careers—the coach who pushed you to outperform, the teacher whose passion for a subject inspired your own, or the boss who showed you what it is to be a leader at work.

In this episode, NBA star Chris Paul shares how his own mentors guided him through the early years of his professional basketball career and helped him develop his leadership skills on and off the court.

Paul is regarded as one of the best point guards of all time and led the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. He shares what he’s learned about mentorship and leadership—and the important role communication skills play in enabling both. He also explains how to communicate with colleagues in a high-pressure situation and why it’s so important to listen to the people you lead.

Key episode topics include: leadership, teams, power and influence, leading teams, organizational culture, basketball, sports.

HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.

· Listen to the original HBR IdeaCast episode: NBA Star Chris Paul on Mentorship and Taking a Stand (2023)

· Find more episodes of HBR IdeaCast

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