My business mentor once said, “leverage is the most important thing anyone can have.” He would go onto to explain that leverage, or influence, is the only element that makes things happen.
He wasn’t lying. Think about it…
Leverage or influence is power over another, and this isn’t necessarily right or wrong; but it’s simply needed to make things happen.
There was no better display of leverage than this past weekend when NBA free agent Kawhi Leonard, and reigning NBA Finals MVP, after much-anticipated wait and speculation, informed the Los Angeles Clippers that he would be there uniform for the next 4 seasons… but… not before bringing along five-time All-NBA team power forward Paul George.
PG13, Playoff P, or just Paul George, prior to Kahwi’s demands was still a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the midst of a recently signed four-year 137 million dollar contract.
So how on Earth did this happen then?
Leverage.
Something not even a top NFL QB like Tom Brady or Russell Wilson could demand. A demand that requires leverage, and frankly only possible in the NBA. Kawhi, a free agent who had NEVER been on a particular team and still NOT signed to said team, tells the team he will sign, but only if his boy comes along???? Yeah, that’s exactly what Kawhi did… and it worked.
Brady or Wilson making that demand and seeing it come to fruition… not happening.
And, that’s why NBA players, particularly top-end players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard, are the face of their league and the reason why the NBA brand continues to grow… because their players have leverage. The owners must split 50% of profits with their players, making NBA players and owners true partners, unlike the other major sports which have no such arrangement.
Kawhi knew he had both the star power and leverage needed to make his demands, and more importantly, make sure his demands were met.
You have to tip your hat to Kawhi and take note. When you have leverage, make sure you take advantage.