The May 2006 issue of Magic Magazine reported that “For Otis Smith, it’s all about winning and he’s determined to make the Orlando Magic contenders again.”  Leadership – On and Off The Court will be the topic of the Listening to Leaders program on July 19.

As the new General Manager of the NBA Orlando Magic, Smith believes that leadership is about a willingness to accept responsibility for a team.  Whether it’s in a pickup game, on the basketball court, or in the boardroom, leaders must understand that it’s not about taking credit.  It’s about communicating with your people candidly and respectfully.  Leadership is about listening and teaching.   It’s about being in sync with those around you and constantly striving to make yourself and others better.

Smith has been described as unassuming and laid back.  But, he is also consistent and committed to success.  It has been written that Smith doesn’t like the term rebuilding.  That implies that you are tearing down and starting over.  His strategy for the Orlando Magic is to put the right pieces together – those already in place along with the addition of a few more parts of the team puzzle.

At Listening to Leaders we hope to learn not only about his leadership philosophy, but also about Otis Smith growing up in Jacksonville, as a NBA player, his passion for reading, and much, much more. 

For details on the July 19 program, click here:

Listening to Leaders is a series of breakfast forums that was designed to continue the learning experience started with Leadership Orlando. Speakers offer insights into the practices that have helped them achieve success in their fields, define leadership lessons taught in their segments of the community, and offer suggestions on strategies that attendees can use to become better leaders.

The Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is shaping our community’s future by focusing on what matters to the millions of people who call Central Florida home through unique initiatives like Extra Credit (Earned Income Tax Credit–EITC), myregion.org, Leadership Orlando, Small Business Chamber, Chamber Trustees and our Regional Board of Advisors.

Your business.  Your community.  Your chamber.   Your future.

For additional information the Chamber’s community leadership programs, visit:

http://www.orlando.org/index.php?submenu=Leadership

www.orlando.org