US men’s basketball has been a dominant force in the Olympics.

US men’s basketball has been a dominant force in the Olympics.

Team USA has won 16 gold medals, with a 143-6 overall record.

Most of this success early on was with college players.

But in 1992, The Olympics introduced NBA players into the games.

The legendary “Dream Team” solidified Team USA’s status as the powerhouse.

But in the 2004 Athens Games, the US failed to win gold.

Many thought the US’s dominance was over.

Team USA needed to shake things up for the 2008 games.

Dubbed the “Redeem Team,” legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski was brought on.

The team had young rising stars.

LeBron James.

Dwyane Wade.

Carmelo Anthony.

But Coach K knew something was missing.

Leadership.

So he recruited Kobe Bryant.

Kobe’s dedication changed everything.

One night during summer training camp in Vegas, the team went out to party at a club.

But not Kobe.

After their night out, the rest of the team returned to the hotel at 5 am.

To their surprise, what did they find in the lobby?

Kobe.

On his way to the gym.

Bryant’s dedication created admiration and motivation.

Within a week, the entire team adopted Kobe’s early morning workout routine.

LeBron was in awe of Bryant and said:

“This motherf**er Kobe was already drenched in sweat. And we were like ‘Yeah, he’s different.”

Team US won gold in the 2008 Olympics… and every year since.

I love this story.

It highlights the impact leadership can have on a group’s collective success.

Kobe was able to motivate a team of NBA stars.

As leaders of companies, we have that opportunity with our team and culture.

We have it with our families, too.

But are we willing to put in the work, make sacrifices, and lead by example like Kobe?

Be willing to do today what others won’t.

So tomorrow, you can do what others can’t.