There are plenty of negative events and people in the world today. We're all tired of the violence and bullying and political division in society and sometime it can feel like we're in a downward spiral with no hope in sight. But fear not! I’m here to say there is reason to be optimistic, and I offer as evidence... basketball.
I’ve heard it said recently (by Mike Greenberg, among others) that Steph Curry is one of the most transformative players in the history of basketball. Since he broke onto the scene a decade or so ago, the game has gone bonkers with everyone chucking up 3-pointers at every opportunity. Now there’s Trae Young and Buddy Hield and Damian Lillard and James Harden (when he feels like it) and a bunch of big guys who shoot threes and a slew of college players who make more threes than twos, and it all started with Steph… or did it?
While it feels like Steph invented long-range shooting, the chart below shows that the trend was underway long before Steph burst onto the scene. The NBA introduced the 3-point shot in 1979 and the number of shots attempted and made from beyond the arc has increased steadily ever since. We just didn't see it as a 'movement' like we do today.
So why is this reason to get our hopes up about political civility, racial harmony and world peace? Because the trend is underway. I'm hearing more and more talk about the importance of open-mindedness and listening (REALLY listening) before you speak or act. Today's most admirable leaders are not simply brilliant and ruthless, they are aware and curious. They want to improve, not just win at all costs.
I see it in the numbers. Where there once were a few lone voices like Stephen Covey saying "seek first to understand, then to be understood," there are now hundreds (probably thousands) of popular books, podcasts and Ted Talks that talk about not just the societal value, but also the business value of leadership that listens and cares. Sure, many are still just offering lip service, but more and more actually believe it and live it.
Simon Sinek (Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Infiite Game, etc.) recently interviewed Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver who described this deliberate collective practice of selfless listening for the betterment of self and society as 'the work of our time.' I think Tim is right, and the MOVEMENT is just around the corner.
After 15 years of 3-point shooting, the NBA saw the benefit of a more open and fluid game such that they experimented with a shorter 3-point line for three seasons from 1994-97. That encouraged more long-distance shooting and brought attention and value to some otherwise obscure players... including Steph's father Dell Curry. In fact, Dell led the league in 3-point shooting in 1998-99 shooting 47% from long range. There was also a guy named Steve Kerr - now Steph's coach and once a 3-point sharp shooter who came off the bench for the Chicago Bulls to help Michael Jordon win a few titles. Yes, the TREND was well underway.
What we now need is a business, political or cultural superstar with open-mindedness as the hallmark of their success. Steph Curry turned his sharp-shooting into super-stardom and NBA championships... which gave rise to even more 3-point shooting in the NBA, in the college ranks, and on the playgrounds. The 3-point MOVEMENT is now unstoppable.
As for humanity, I believe we are approaching critical mass. The trend has been upward for quite a while now. There are more and more selfless optimists succeeding in the world. They are writing best-selling books and recording viral podcasts. Positive content is more accessible and popular than ever before. It won't be long before one of these people wins a major election or becomes a billionaire not despite their 'soft skills' but because of them. When that happens, look out. The assholes and bullies will have nowhere to hide and nowhere to thrive.
I can feel it coming. The Steph Curry of modern society is soon to enter the league. Meanwhile, we all just gotta keep shooting. Go on... let it fly.
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