Achiever & Attack Fast, Attack Strong

If you remember obscure Nike commercials the way I do, you might recall the Nike “Kobe System” campaign back in 2012.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you’re probably in the majority. Allow me to explain.

Kobe Bryant (may he rest in peace) was an all-time great basketball player. The ad campaign presented him as a motivational speaker, giving encouraging talks to a room full of successful athletes and celebrities – Tony Robbins, Serena Williams, Richard Branson, and more.

For more context, watch this clip:

In the ads – ostensibly existing to sell basketball shoes – we see Kobe the life coach, the ultimate competitor, schooling celebrities on the importance of constant hustle. “Attack Fast & Attack Strong” was the system’s motto.

The Kobe System

Kobe Bryant, as an NBA player, was a legendary hard worker.

There’s a story from the 2008 Olympics where players like Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade arrived for breakfast before a workout and Kobe already had ice on his knees after showing up to practice hours earlier.

Kobe was the first to arrive, the last to leave and rarely took days off.

Those with the Achiever talent have that “Kobe System” drive in their work. The Achiever has incredible stamina and desire to get things done. A person with Achiever talents often start each day with a goal and derives great satisfaction at the end of each day when they accomplish tasks.

Think about the story arc of Kobe Bryant’s career, winning three championships with his teammate Shaquille O’Neal while playing for the Lakers. When Shaq and Kobe had a falling out and split up, Shaq was traded and won a title with my Miami Heat (Thanks, Shaq).

Kobe wanted more titles, too.

Kobe famously endured sleepless nights as he worked to get back on top and went on to win two additional titles on his own.

Achievers have their own system. They attack fast and strong with their color-coded calendars, self-imposed deadlines, and the enduring belief that every task completed brings them one step closer to ultimate satisfaction.

Achiever on a Team

Work, like basketball, is a team sport.

Winning is great – but nothing beats a group accomplishment when you win as a team. An Achiever can help keep a team motivated. As a leader, you have better resistance against burnout and can pick up a coworker who is off track.

If you’re in a role where measurable results allow you to stack wins, you’re likely to keep pushing toward that goal. Finding new ways to measure success can help an Achiever stay motivated.

The key takeaway? Achiever talents provide the drive and the same relentless pursuit of excellence that made Kobe Bryant a legendary winner in the NBA.

You may not have his jump shot, but when it comes to getting things done and reveling in accomplishment, you are a follower of the Kobe System and can lead your team to similar heights.