The highlight for most of the world during the COVID-19 quarantine has been the release of ESPN's documentary, The Last Dance. Growing up with Sports Channel and Johnny "Red" Kerr on our local cable, I was a huge fan of the Bulls and their historic seasons during the 1990's. However, 22 years later I've been able to appreciate this team on a much different level, as we all strive to "be like Mike."
Scottie Pippen: Lead from Where You're At
It was clear throughout his career that Scottie Pippen thrived being "#2." He could have very easily demanded a trade and been "the man" on any other team in the league. However, he led from his position as number 2 and became (arguably) one of the top 50 players ever to play in the NBA. In today's culture, players tend to jump ship, transfer and look for an exit strategy in Pippen's role. The true leaders in organizations are not always titled president, boss, principal, superintendent, CEO, etc... True leaders, no matter the title, are the ones immersed in ACTION. They are the "go-getters" and the "doers." Scottie Pippen led with action, as second in command. Our Leadership Challenge is to support, empower, and encourage those in ALL positions in our schools, businesses and workplace.
Jerry Krause: The Risk Taker
Painted as the villain during the Last Dance documentary, the Bulls' GM was less than a favorite in the Bulls' locker room. Jordan consistently delivered verbal jabs about Krause's stature. In 1989 Krause did what many leaders fail to ever do; take a risk. He could have played it safe and retained Doug Collins as head coach, and deservedly so. Instead he saw promise in young assistant coach Phil Jackson, took an extreme risk and replaced Collins with the up and coming Jackson. Our Leadership Challenge is to take a risk, step out on a limb, and think unconventionally. In this case the general manager noticed a higher potential with an unproven coach and the result was a six-championship dynasty. Krause ignored popularity among the fan base and did what was best for the organization by putting his trust and faith in Phil Jackson.
Phil Jackson: Innovate Inside the Box
When Jackson was hired, he knew the team that he was inheriting and knew the triangle offense would be successful. Inside his "box" (organization) was the best player in the league, assistant coach Tex Winter (the wizard of the triangle offense), and key pieces that would make the offense go. Educational leader George Couros' concept of "innovating inside the box" is exactly what Jackson mastered over time with the Bulls. Jackson used the resources he had in place, asked the best player in the world to pass the ball more often and lose his "score first" mentality. As Jackson innovated within his system, he additionally led by understanding that "fair is not always equal." This specifically was shown with how he led Dennis Rodman. Rodman's off court behavior would have doomed any other team, but Jackson knew his players so well and differentiated his leadership of each one. Our Leadership Challenge is to innovate inside of our own organizations with the resources and personnel available. Adopting this approach proves that our solutions are within the own walls of our current space.
Michael Jordan: Lead by Example
When looking for leadership traits displayed by Michael Jordan, one doesn't have to look very far. However, leading by example rises to the top regarding any influential leader in history. As episode 7 wrapped up and viewers witnessed Jordan's drive and willingness to do whatever it took to win; they saw the best player in the world dominating his teammates while running sprints in practice. Jordan, as a leader, led by example and never asked a teammate to do anything that he wasn't willing to do himself. This often didn't make him popular or seem "nice," but it was all in the name of making those around him better. Whatever trait leaders seek in those they lead, they must continually perform above that standard. They must exceed, by example, the outcome they desire of others. Our Leadership Challenge is to be that example that Jordan was for his teammates.
The Last Dance wrapped up this past weekend, and we will forever be reminded of the lessons in leadership provide by the players, coaches and front office during the Bulls' historic championship run in the 1990's.
