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?

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