4 lessons from The Last Dance



After watching the ESPN documentary series, The Last Dance about the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty through the final championship season in 1997-98, I realized the lessons that many can take away from the show:  (1) there is no ‘I’ in team, but there is a ‘m’ ‘e’ [Kobe Bryant]; (2) it takes a system to win consistently,  regardless of how talented one player maybe; (3) celebrate each other differences, e.g., Dennis Rodman; and (4) look out for each other, e.g., Scottie Pippen.

Firstly, Michael Jordan is undoubtedly a great player. And, too many times others downplay an individual’s talent for what it seems like the betterment of the team. However, the downplay is really about that person’s ego. But, if you have a talented team member, let them to perform while contributing to the overall organizational goal.

With, if you want to get there quickly, go by yourself. If you want to get there and stay there, build a team. The Chicago Bulls, before Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman; was broken. However, just by having star players does not guarantee win and/or longevity. Having them work together gets you the win and longevity.

Also, celebrate each other differences! A group trying to accomplish a collective goal makes the common mistake of wanting everyone to think the same. However, that is the furthest from the truth. Everyone has a job on the team and their performance can be hindered by Groupthink, essentially trying to get everyone to think the same. This school of thought kills creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Finally, when you are on a team, there needs to be a level of comradery. Meaning, everyone, especially the leadership, needs to be looking out for the best interest of the group, collectively and individually. Do not get this ideal confused with putting an individual over the team. But, if you do not learn to take care of the individuals within the organization, then it will fail sooner or later.

All in all, the series The Last Dance shows viewers what ‘not’ to do within organizations. There could have been even more championship wins if everyone worked together. Even though, there were some learning points.

KEY TAKE AWAYS:  

(1) there is no I in team, but there is a ‘m’ ‘e’; (2) it takes a system to work,  no matter how talented one player is; (3) celebrate differences; and (4) look out for each other.

~  Attorney Ronnie O’Brien Rice, Ph.D.

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