The 3 Energies of Champions

I’m convinced that leadership boils down to one thing: Energy.

Every great team has leaders who bring a unique energy that elevates everyone around them. The question is: What kind of energy do YOUR PLAYERS and YOU bring?

In this article, I break down the 3 Energies of Champions, the traits that define winning cultures and lead teams to greatness. 

1. Positive Energy

Positivity is powerful. It keeps morale high, lifts teammates when things get tough, and keeps everyone engaged.

Positive energy, more than just a “good vibe,” is about resilience, support, and the belief that the team can handle anything together.

Positive energy is contagious, making every challenge a bit easier to handle. Look at any great leader, and you’ll see this energy in action.

How to build it:

Start every practice or meeting with a positive moment—acknowledge effort, celebrate progress, or share a quick motivational story. Make positivity a habit.

2. COMPETITIVE ENERGY

Championship teams always have leaders who are relentless competitors. Competitive energy drives players to push harder, dig deeper, and refuse to lose.

This energy shows up in the details: running one more sprint, diving for a loose ball, or refusing to let a single rep in practice go to waste. Leaders with competitive energy set a high standard that others are inspired to match.

Kobe Bryant’s legendary work ethic is the ultimate example. His intensity wasn’t just about his individual success—it was about elevating his teammates and pushing them to achieve more than they thought possible.

How to build it:

Hold teammates accountable in practice. Set competitive challenges, whether it’s a scrimmage, free-throw contest, or team goal, and make every play count.

3. Team-First Energy

In the best teams, leaders make one thing clear: It’s not about me—it’s about us.

Team-first energy keeps egos in check and reinforces a culture of selflessness. Leaders embracing this energy show that every role matters and sacrifices are worth it for the greater good.

Bill Russell exemplified this mindset. The NBA legend famously said, “The most important measure of how good a game I played was how much better I’d made my teammates play.” That’s the essence of team-first energy.

How to build it:

Actively celebrate your teammates’ successes. Acknowledge their contributions, no matter how small, and lead by example in putting the team above yourself.

Championship teams don’t just happen; they’re built on leaders who bring the right energy every single day:

1. Positive Energy: Inspires belief and resilience.
2. Competitive Energy: Drives excellence and relentless effort.
3. Team-First Energy: Builds selflessness and unity.

Great leaders transfer energy. So ask yourself: What energy am I bringing to my team?

Champions are made, not born. It starts with your energy. 

Good luck!

- Greg

P.S. For weekly tips and tools to grow as a coach and build a winning culture, join 14,000+ other coaches who read Great Teams Better Leaders 123 each week. You can also connect with me on “X” @gb1121 for more insights and ideas.