lebron, the leader..

Lebron James is a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He is only 24 years old and already has developed into a leader on the basketball court. Lebron was blessed with god-given athletic talent from the moment he was born. With so much talent, he was prized and looked at by NBA scouts at the young age of 15. At just 17, he was already given much publicity in high school as his games were aired on ESPN. After successfully winning the state championship at St. Marys, he declared for the NBA draft and was chosen as the number 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. I believe this year Lebron James has turned into a true leader because he has elevated his teammates above and beyond their production capabilities. And the results show. In the 2008-2009 season, the Cavs had the best overall record at 66-16, the best home record, 39-2 and Lebron just received the Most Valuable Player honor from the league. Is there any evidence to not nominate this superstar as a leader?

“I'm inherited to lead and also born with the leadership. That is my greatest advantage” Lebron James take on his ability to lead on the basketball court. And people all around the league have seen a difference in him this year. He has exhibited traits such as intelligence, personality, confidence in both himself and teammates and inspiration. He matured as a true leader in the 2008 Olympic basketball games. On the way to winning an olympic gold medal, James was very active and vocal with his subordinates and showed his maturity on the biggest sports stage in the world. "This is his sixth NBA season," Coach Mike Krzyzewski said of James' growth as a leader. "There's a big difference there." Just some examples of his leadership on the court include: being the first to pick up the intensity when practice begins, first to tell a teammate where he needs to be on the floor and he's the one they ask when they forget a play. In terms of power, Lebron has referent power. In other words, he makes the players around him better, and more importantly they follow his style on the basketball court. He has a good relationship with his teammates and they have fun during games & on and off the court.

Lebron motivates his teammates by working more than anyone else and leading by example. He motivates others by hard work, determination and the goal of winning the NBA championship this year. "I have never seen LeBron more focused and more determined," said Maverick Carter, James' business partner and lifelong friend. The Cavs lost last year in the playoffs in a game 7 against the Boston Celtics. It was only days later and Lebron James was in the gym by himself working on his game. 'See, LeBron doesn't just show up at the games with his Superman outfit on,' " Brown recalled. "He works harder than anyone. That's why he's LeBron." His work ethic and leadership is proving to be the keys to winning the championship this season. They already swept the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks out of the playoffs and currently are waiting to play the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals. "The goal since day one has been a championship," James said. "Nothing less”. And the way he is leading his team, a few championships maybe in the rear view mirror after all is said and done...