Leadership Assessment

Sacred Hoops

Every leader is influenced by their personal character, derived from their own complex blend of family upbringing, education, experiences, interests, values, aptitude, and attributes. In the case of famed coach Phil Jackson this unique ‘blend’ is particularly evident in the leadership traits and qualities he exhibits, which have proven to be highly instrumental as he’s artfully woven them into his philosophies and approaches toward teamwork, leadership style, motivational techniques, and overall effectiveness as a leader of championship teams.

Phil Jackson was born in 1945 and raised in North Dakota and Montana by ministerial parents in a devoutly Christian household. From a young age he took to thinking deeply about Christianity and spiritual development, a trend that would continue throughout his life and would contribute heavily to his leadership philosophies. But in a life of contrasts, Jackson characterizes his gravitation toward sports as an ‘escape’ from the rigid Christian regimen of his youth. A large man and a talented ballplayer, Jackson excelled on his college baseball and basketball teams at UND during the mid-Sixties, and then went on to a thirteen year career as a journeyman pro player with the NY Knicks and NJ Nets. His reputation in the pros was as a role-player and a bruiser (he led the league in fouls one year), but he was also recognized by coaches and teammates as a cerebral player, which led to Jackson becoming a de facto coach while still an active player. A two-year injury also changed Jacksons focus inward, with increased desire (and time) to understand himself, his relationship with others, and to gain a better understanding of team dynamics. After his playing career ended, Jackson coached at nearly every level, learning his craft and honing his leadership skills at stops in the CBA, and abroad in Puerto Rico, before landing his first assistant’s job