Be Like Mike and His Coach

Sometimes, the setbacks we face are not roadblocks but stepping stones.

One of the most powerful stories that captures this is Michael Jordan’s high school basketball journey—a lesson in resilience, focus and growth.

As a sophomore at Laney High School, Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team.

He didn’t make the team.

His coach Clifton “Pop” Herring felt at 5'10", he was too short and less polished compared to his peers.

Instead, he was placed on the junior varsity team—a disappointment that allegedly brought him to tears.

But that moment wasn’t the end of his story; it was the beginning of something extraordinary.

His coach made the tough decision to assign him to JV, not because he doubted Jordan’s potential, but because he believed Jordan needed time to develop his skills and confidence.

This decision, though painful for Jordan at the time, turned out to be pivotal.

On the JV team, Jordan dominated.

But Jordan didn’t stop there.

That summer, he committed himself to relentless practice.

Early mornings, backyard games with his older brother Larry, and an unwavering focus on improvement became his routine.

By the next season, Jordan had grown to 6'3" and earned his place on the varsity team, where he quickly became the star.

This setback—and his response to it—defined his legendary drive.

Jordan later reflected:

“Whenever I was working out and got tired and felt I couldn’t push myself any further, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it. That usually got me going again.”

Jordan’s story reminds us that the expectations we set for ourselves and others can profoundly shape our outcomes.

Coach Herring believed in Jordan’s potential, even when it required tough love.

Jordan internalized that belief and turned it into a relentless pursuit of excellence.

There are three lessons for us in this story.

Lesson #1: Setbacks aren’t the end; they’re the beginning if you are committed to what you are doing.

Whether you’re the one setting expectations or the one striving to meet them, remember that belief—yours or someone else’s—can be the spark that ignites greatness.

--> Are you 100% committed to something?

Lesson #2: Mindset and motivational constructs matter.

Michael's ability to recall seeing the list of players who made the Varsity team, with his name not on it, provided 'on call' motivation for him.

--> What is your 'on call' motivation?

Lesson #3: The Pygmalion Effect

The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon that describes how high expectations from someone else can lead to improved performance in individuals.

Leaders who set high expectations often inspire their teams to perform better.

The same is true of Teachers, Parents and sports coaches.

--> Is there someone on your team, in your family or in your life that you could leverage the Pygmalion Effect to help?

Also, if you have not watched 'The Last Dance' about Jordan's final season in Chicago you are missing out!