The Roots of the Miami Heat's Game 7 Win

Disaster seemed to have struck.

The Miami Heat had lost Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on their home court — and now were in danger of becoming the first NBA team ever to blow a 3-0 series lead.

But in the moments after his team’s heartbreaking defeat to the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra stepped to the podium and delivered a powerful message with some key lessons for us as leaders.

“Look, this is the way this season has been,” he said. “This is one hell of a series and at this time right now, I don’t know how we are going to get this done, but we are going to go up there and get it done.”

Guarantees are nothing new in sports, but Spoelstra’s message wasn’t arrogant, boastful or delusional.

It was a masterful mix of confidence and composure, poise and perspective — and it set an immediate tone for the Heat’s gritty Game 7 win on Monday night to advance to the NBA Finals.

Among the most difficult circumstances for any leader are the ensuing moments following major disappointment, as it becomes easy to act on impulse or emotion and say something foolish.

Spoelstra obviously recognized this and realized his words would set a larger organization tone that his players would follow.

It’s important after heartbreaking defeat that we as leaders:

1. Don’t point fingers or make excuses
2. Acknowledge the harsh reality of the situation
3. Offer realistic optimism for what’s ahead
4. Exude genuine confidence and belief

“There’s been nothing easy about this season for our group and so we just have to do it the hard way,” Spoelstra added after Game 6. “Right now, we want to tip this thing off and let’s play another 48 minutes, but we will wait 48 hours and do this thing in Boston.”

On Monday, the coach’s words proved prophetic.

But the seeds of the team’s victory weren’t planted when it took the lead in the first quarter or even when the players arrived at the arena.

The keys to the win began 48 hours prior with a confident coach exuding a critical message of hope — well before his team even got on the plane.