Can I Cut In?

Whether or not you were an NBA fan, let alone a Bulls fan, the documentary "The Last Dance" was an interesting study in the human psyche, relationships, motivation, coaching, and team dynamics.

Whether it was the insecurities of Pippen and Krause, the Zen-like approach of Phil Jackson, the mercurial attention-seeking needs of Rodman, or the bombastic alpha leadership style of Jordan, it was a microscopic view on life.

Takeaways...

The core competency of a successful coach (boss, parent, etc.) is to treat each individual as an individual. One size does not fit all. You have to know who you can push harder and who you need to help pull through. Who needs tough love and who just needs love. You are guiding. You are orchestrating. You are focusing on the common good. Big picture thinking. It's not about you. It's about them. Don't do things to them. Do things for them.

The art of coaching as a player is just that; an art. To be able to build trust, respect, and chemistry as a peer is so powerful. It's leadership. Some people lead because they have a title (I argue that those really don't lead but manage) others lead because of who they are.

Zen is real and very powerful.

Insecurities can ruin a really good thing.

And finally, we all would love to be able to write our own song that goes with our last dance. For most of us though, it just doesn't happen.

Jerry Krause was villanized for breaking up that team but he actually did that Bulls dynasty a favor. They knew it was going to be their last run together. How differently would you approach things if you knew it was going to be your last dance? You would give 100%. You wouldn't take anything for granted. You would live life to the fullest. Pretty good way to go out. Don't you think?

1,2,3,4. 1,2,3,4. 1,2...

You Are OK

Roger Sterling said some brilliant things over the years.

Keen insight.

Snappy one-liners.

Brilliant comebacks.

But one of the best was at the end of the run when he told Don "You are OK" and then kissed him the cheek.

Why was that so good?

Because it's something we all need to hear. Sometimes, we get caught up in our own thought bubbles. We feel like we are alone out there. The walls are closing in. The roller coaster is stuck on a permanent downward trek and you aren't seeing the climb back up. There is no freaking light at the end of the tunnel.

But then, we have a random conversation with a friend or loved one and you realize you aren't alone. You realize everyone else is going through the mud as well. You realize "you are ok."

We all would love to be great all the time. But that's a fantasy. It doesn't work that way. We have great moments. Great experiences. Great memories. But, greatness isn't a permanent position. Being OK is.

OK has been described as the most frequently spoken or written word on the planet. There's a reason for that.

Next time you are feeling lost. Just remember, we all are waiting for you at the OK corral.

Saddle up, partner.