For good results; Spare the Melodrama

I just read an interesting antecdote. In 1968, during the National Basketball Association's Eastern Division playoffs, Bill Russell missed a foul shot and had only one more chance to sink the basket to seal the victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. If he missed it, the Sixers would have an opportunity to tie the game. Sam Jones, a guard for the Celtics, went up to Russell and whispered something. Russell made the shot and won the game.

Everyone wanted to know what powerful words Jones said to Russell. Eventually, Jones revealed his powerful, inspirational words.

His words were, "Flex your knees, Bill."

It's a good lesson that sometimes, a gentle reminder of what's needed is much more powerful than a lecture or a melodramatic plea. Food for thought.