Kobe Bryant was known for his relentless work ethic and “Mumba Mentality” which helped him to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The key to his success was his ability to separate business from basketball.
Despite his business, he was able to maintain laser-like focus in basketball. He never allows outside distractions while performing, training or committing to the game. He maintained a relentless focus when he was on the game.
Early in his career, Bryant learned an important lessen at about keeping his business ventures separate from basketball court after a incident in the min- 1990s when Bryant drafted straight from high school.
In that time choosing Bryant and fellow superstar Shaquille O’Neal was challenge for coach Phil Jackson. Despite the “emotional tussles” Between Bryant and O’Neal, the Lakers won three consecutive Championships from 2000-2002.
Outside the court, Bryant was dealing with sponsorships, reaping millions of deals with McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Spalding and Nike, but Bryant’s ability to separate his business from basketball is the key to his successful career in court.
His early business career did not distract him from his basketball priorities.
Bryant tend to embrace his teammates more as partners more than demanding the ball. He used to invite him to dinner for balancing the competitive drive needed to win with the interpersonal skills to lead a team.
The Lakers nation blog highlighted his quote for achieve results “I’ll do whatever it takes to win games, whether its siting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to teammate, or hitting the game winning shot.” He always focused on organisation goals and did every possible for helping them.
His brilliant approach of “Mumba Mentality” in business ventures also helped in dominating the court.
He also applied the work ethics and commitment to mastering the fundamentals in basketball that made him legend in this field. He successfully led his basketball career over two decades.
Overall, Kobe Bryant’s ability to separate his business and basketball made him successful and exceled in both realms.
He always maintained laser like focus, learnt from his past mistakes, embraced team mates, Mumba Mentality and take sought guidance from mentors. All these factors was his key to achieve unparalleled success.
As a VC with seasoning skills, he focused on helping others achieve their business goals. He told The Wall Sheet journal, “The most important thing I enjoy now is helping others be successful.”
