What Would Phil Jackson Do?
In 1998, the Chicago Bulls were on their way to their sixth national championship in eight years. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, and Dennis Rodman were leading a team coached by Phil Jackson - all at the top of their game (pun intended).
But Dennis Rodman was not a traditional player.
In fact, if the Bulls had been looking for a “fit to our culture,” as so many workplaces do, instead of “an add to our culture,” it’s likely Rodman would never have been in Chicago.
Rodman’s individuality caused some concerns for the team, as documented in documentary "The Last Dance”. But Rodman kept delivering results.
…Until he didn’t.
In the middle of the 1997-98 postseason, Rodman’s stats stalled. “When Scottie was out [injured], Dennis was a model citizen, to a point where it was driving him f—ing insane,” Jordan explained. When Pippin returned to the team, Rodman asked for a vacation to “let loose” in Las Vegas. This request was unheard of. There were mandatory practices and media sessions! If a player missed any of these, they owed tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
And everyone was working harder than ever. Jordan said, “If anyone needs a vacation, I need a vacation!”
But Coach Phil Jackson gave a green light for Rodman to “let loose” and party in Vegas for 48 hours.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE POSTSEASON.
48 HOURS IN VEGAS.
TO PARTY.
WHILE THE REST OF THE TEAM WAS WORKING HARDER THAN EVER.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Dennis Rodman partied in Vegas with Carmen Electra. He came back to the team before Game 4 against the Utah Jazz. And he performed better than ever.
Rodman’s rebounds, free throws, and scoring percentage all improved after his Vegas trip.
In games 1-3, Rodman scored 5 points.
In games 4-7, after Vegas, Rodman scored 15 points.
The Bulls went onto win their sixth national championship in eight years.
Phil Jackson’s approach is a great example of a leader who values equity, not equality.
What’s the difference between equity and equality?
Equality is assuming everyone needs the same thing.
Equity is recognizing that different people need different things.
Coach Jackson wasn’t giving every player the green light to party in Vegas. He knew that not every player was facing the same circumstances and challenges.
Certainly, there were players who thought Rodman’s escapade was unfair (Michael Jordan even said, “I’m the one who needs a vacation!”) But the coach knew that this particular thing was what this particular person needed in order to be successful for the team. This is about equity of opportunity.
To get to the goal (a championship), the coach provided equitable support (a short mental health break to one player).
The whole team achieved in the end.
Culturally competent leaders lead with an equitable lens because their eye is on the ultimate team goal.
Maybe that means allowing remote work, a standing desk, a peanut-free lunch for certain employees. But keeping the focus on one question: What does each person need to get our team to its goal? How do we create equitable opportunities for everyone to succeed?
The ‘98 Bulls is one of the 14 stories our experts present in our Curious Conversations series, introducing groups to cultural competent leadership through fun, relatable experiences over food.
So much fun that 92% of attendees recommended Imprint Legal Group’s culturally competent leadership workshops.
And because who doesn’t enjoy eating chips and queso while talking about Dennis Rodman?!
Imprint Legal Group advises businesses on culturally humble leadership and inclusive cultures as long-term risk management. To discuss any questions about your particular situation or training opportunities, contact: hello@imprintlegalgroup.com.
All posts of Imprint Legal Group and its authors are intended as information, not legal advice. This information is valid as of March 2024.
