What Kobe Bryant Learned About Team Building and the Power of Coaching From Phil Jackson
In my experience, most people understand the theory behind coaching. They know that having someone in their corner to teach them new skills, work through their problems, and hold them accountable is the best way to reach their next level.
However, theory can only take you so far. To fully understand the benefits of effective coaching, you need to see real-world examples of the impact it can have on people’s lives.
So, what better example to look at than the partnership Kobe Bryant had with his Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson? Ready to learn more about what made this duo so successful? Let’s go!
Kobe Bryant - Player Biography
Kobe Bryant was undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever step onto a basketball court. In his 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he won:
Five NBA championships
18 NBA All-Star awards
Two NBA Finals MVP awards
One NBA MVP award, and
11 All-NBA First Team awards
Kobe’s talent was unquestionable, but he was best known for his exceptional work ethic. He regularly arrived at the team’s practice facility hours before everyone else, and he was was almost always the last person out the door in the evening.
He referred to his determination and commitment to hard work as his “Mamba Mentality:”
“At the age of 18, I knew that I was not going to be stopped. This was my life.“
“There’s a choice we have to make as people. If you want to be great at something you have to make the inherent sacrifices that come along with that - family time, hanging out with your friends.”
“Seek what you love. Always work hard when you find it.”
His approach not only helped him become one of the best basketball players in history - but also elevated his teammates to a higher level.
Phil Jackson - Coach Biography
Phil Jackson is one of the most decorated and venerated coaches in the history of the NBA. He has a total of 13 championships to his name (including two as a player) and has coached some of the best players in the game, including:
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Scottie Pippen
Shaquille O'Neal
Pau Gasol, and
Dennis Rodman
Those who worked with Phil frequently described him as a “zen master” because of his focus on mindfulness and spirituality. He used meditation to help his teams improve their mental strength, and brought a sage stick to practice to purify the air and help his players move on from losses.
Speaking about Phil’s approach to the game, Kobe once said:
“Everything changed… how I viewed the game… I thought it was tactical, fundamentals, training… he had us run drills without a basketball… brought in the spirituality of the game, mindfulness that comes from the game, how to put yourself aside, quiet your ego, play effortless basketball, separated my from the pack… deeper level, something greater to this game.”
During his tenure as coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Phil often spoke about “benching the ego.” He believed basketball should not be about the coach or even the players. It should be about the overall performance of the team.
This approach allowed him to ease the friction between Kobe and Shaq. Phil knew Shaq was an emotional player, and he understood that Kobe would perform at his best no matter what. So, he decided to align himself closer to Shaq.
The move made it easier for him to manage Shaq’s emotions and build a more cohesive team.
The trio went on to win three consecutive NBA championships together.
How Kobe and Phil Achieved Big Things Together
It is not possible for me (or anybody else) to fully explain how Kobe and Phil were so successful together. That task is best left to the Mamba himself.
When speaking about their time together, Kobe said Phil would read up on every single player. He’d know their full history — their likes, dislikes, everything — and he wouldn’t just coach a player or a game, he’d look at the big picture.
Discussing an important stretch of games that saw Shaquille O’Neal out with an injury, Kobe described how Phil called him into his office and said, “I need you to turn the afterburners on.” Kobe scored 40+ points in each of the next 9 games. When Shaq returned, Phil called Kobe into his office again and said, “I need you to dial it back.”
Flustered, Kobe asked, “Why? We’re winning games.”
Phil explained the overall goal was to win a championship. He went on to say that they could get through the Western Conference with Kobe playing at peak performance - but they’d need Shaq to dominate in the post if they were going to win the title.
Phil knew if Kobe continued playing his best, Shaq would lose the thing that made him great, his motivation. If Shaq didn’t have the desire to win, the Lakers would struggle.
Phil told Kobe, “I need you to pull back now so we can pull Shaq forward in June.”
Years later, Kobe reflected on incidents like this and said Phil is a genius. His job was to get the team in a place to win titles, and he would do whatever it took to make sure that happened.
What Business Leaders Can Learn from Kobe and Phil
There are two main lessons CEOs and other business executives can learn from Kobe and Phil. First and foremost, know where your employees are at. As a leader, it’s your duty to understand the psychology and behavior of your team. Ask yourself:
Where are your team members coming from?
Where is each individual in their career?
What is important to them?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you communicate better, motivate your people more effectively, and push the right buttons when needed.
The second lesson CEOs should learn from Kobe and Phil is that trust is paramount. Your team should be able to share their perspective with you and trust that you will take it on board. They should know they can speak honestly with you without fear of repercussions.
Those candid conversations will help you take advantage of new opportunities and resolve your problems more effectively.
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About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.