Another by Talentsmart–EQ Moment #7:
Dan Gilbert’s ‘Open Letter’ to LeBron James

LeBron “King” James, arguably the greatest to ever play the game of basketball, left Cleveland fans and the Cavaliers organization in suspense for months during his free agency. His announcement on primetime television that he was taking his talents to South Beach to join forces with NBA superstars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh was a shock to all, especially the city of Cleveland. James’ decision to part ways after seven seasons in Cleveland instantly made him the most hated man in Ohio. Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert joined the uproar and published an ‘Open Letter’ on the team’s website that expressed his reaction to James’ decision.

In the insulting letter, Gilbert bashed James’ nickname, called him “narcissistic,” and labeled James’ decision a “cowardly betrayal.” NBA commissioner David Stern fined the Cavs organization $100,000 for Gilbert’s imprudent comments.

The Cavaliers drafted LeBron straight out of high school in 2003, and the team’s value soared more than $200 million during the seven years he played there. We certainly understand why it would upset Gilbert to have his star player take his throne elsewhere, but LeBron’s response when asked how he felt about Gilbert’s reaction shows who was the one who really went overboard, “It made me feel more comfortable that I made the right decision.”

Not only did Gilbert’s lack of self-management and relationship-management skills cost him $100,000, but his grievous response to LeBron switching teams also affects the Cavs ability to lure new talent to sign with the organization. The fallout began when Gilbert made it a personal issue by verbally and publicly attacking James. Before Gilbert elected to lash out at James, he should have checked his emotional pulse and spoke to others within the organization who were not as emotionally invested in the situation. As the owner of the franchise, he could have discretely expressed how disheartening and unfortunate the situation was and wished James the best in the future. That would have been the emotionally intelligent thing to do.