Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Heart of a Champion

Martin, Sean

Case

Heart of a Champion

Martin, Sean

OB-1288 | Published May 17, 2019 | 9 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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Product Details

Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan are widely regarded as two of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. Both led their teams to championships, and both were named MVP and All-Star multiple times. But Bryant, the "Black Mamba," and Duncan, the "Big Fundamental," had very different styles of play and ways of interacting with their teammates, coaches, and fans. This case offers an overview of these two champions' careers and allows a lively conversation about star performers, leadership, key leader behaviors, how those behaviors relate to effectiveness, and the role of charisma in the leadership process. Importantly, students do not need to know anything at all about basketball to be on equal footing with those who are basketball fans, because the case exhibits provide evidence for quantitative comparisons, and the case text describes qualitative information that facilitates discussion.

To discuss how star performers can impact a team and organization. To explore the role of charisma and how and why we emphasize it in leaders, although its value is often uncertain. To learn what leadership is and how to disentangle it from power and formal authority. To identify what we need to evaluate when we determine whether a leader is effective, and which leadership behaviors facilitate effectiveness.