Jordan, Kobe, and Shaq wouldn’t have become champions without this guy.
As a coach, he won the most NBA championships in history.
Here are the 5 principles that turned Phil into the leader he was:
Phil Jackson understood human behavior.
His coaching philosophy was profoundly insightful:
1. "I don't call plays"
2. Meditation and mental strength
3. No micromanagement
4. Empower others
5. Listen to your players
1. “I don’t call plays.”
Phil implemented the famous Triangle Offense:
A rare system that demanded the players to read the floor, adapt to defense, and make decisions.
It gives a structure and complete freedom within it.
Michael Jordan once asked Phil why he didn’t call more plays.
“Because I want you to learn how to read the game.”
That lesson turned MJ into not just a scorer but a thinker as well.
The Bulls won 6 titles under Jackson's leadership.
2. Meditation and mental strength.
Jackson earned the nickname "Zen Master.”
He taught players meditation to improve focus and emotional control.
Kobe Bryant credited mindfulness for elevating his game:
"Phil taught me to focus on the moment. It changed everything."
3. No micromanagement, especially in chaos.
Jordan and Scottie Pippen had their clashes.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s feud was legendary.
But Jackson rarely intervened.
“You can’t force growth. You can only create an environment for it to happen.”
Lakers won the 2001 championship with the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history (15-1).
Shaq later admitted:
“We didn’t see eye to eye, but on the court, we made magic.
That’s what Phil helped us realize.”
4. Empowering others.
Jackson believed in empowering leaders to take charge on and off the court.
Shaq and Kobe clashed in front of the entire team.
He trusted veteran Derek Fisher to mediate, and it saved their season.
“Phil trusted us to handle it as men.”
In the 1997 NBA Finals, Phil encouraged Steve Kerr, a role player, to step into the spotlight.
Kerr hit the game-winning shot.
"Michael didn’t want to take the shot. So I said, I guess I’ll do it."
Phil's trust gave role players the confidence to shine when it mattered most.
5. A leader who listened.
Phil didn’t impose his will. He valued his players’ input.
During the Finals, Shaq suggested more post-touches to exploit mismatches. Phil agreed.
Shaq dominated, averaging 38 points and leading the Lakers to their first championship under Jackson.
Phil listened to everyone, not only the superstars.
In the NBA Finals, Scottie Pippen suggested they focus on exploiting mismatches.
Phil adjusted the game plan, and the rest is history.
“The best ideas don’t always come from the top. Leaders must learn to listen.”
It’s not about doing everything yourself.
It’s about creating an environment where others can thrive to their max potential.
Start delegating smarter and focus on what matters most.
Athena helps leaders like you win championships.
athena.com
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