Author: Phil Jackson
What It's About: Phil Jackson is the most successful coach in NBA history with 11 rings. This is the behind the scene look at how he coached 3 of the most prolific players in history and lead their respective teams to become two of greatest teams. It highlights his spiritual upbringing, current spiritual pursuit, his leadership style and tactics, and team management.
Why Did I Read It: I was a HUGE Jordan and Bulls fan in the 90's. Creating, building, and developing teams as well as coaching others to grow is a large part of what I do. I wanted to see how the greatest NBA coach was able to do it so successfully with so many differing personalities, skill sets, and skill levels.
Favorite Idea: Success of a team can be viewed by the selfishness or selfless of it's members. In order to accomplish something great individuals must "bench" their desire to be great themselves and be a great team. There were many references to Tribal Leadership and how individuals must put the tribes before themselves. I have added it to my reading list for the year. I was shocked at how much individualized coaching he did for each player and even gave them a personalized book assignment at mid-season that ranged from the book of Proverbs to The Art of War.
Favorite Quote: "God does not have any grandchildren." Even though this wasn't a direct tie to the overall leadership theme of the book it addressed Phil trying to reconcile his parents legalistic religious upbringing and his search for something greater.
Opinion: Great book! I knew Phil was a Buddhist, but was super shocked to find that his parents were Pentecostal Pastors. Their view on Christianity definitely played a role in his disconnect with "the faith of his parents." It has some great leadership nuggets on balancing expectations, personalities, goals, and outcomes. As an added bonus, my copy is supposedly signed by Phil Jackson.
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