My Learnings from "THE LAST DANCE"

For those who don't know what The Last Dance is, a documentary covering Michael Jordan and the iconic 1997–98 Chicago Bulls team. The documentary takes an in-depth look at the rise, peak, and end of one of the greatest dynasties in basketball, and sports, history.

NOTE: If you haven't watched this series, I highly recommend that you go and watch it. It's worth the time

The Last Dance revolves around Micheal Jordan (no introduction needed), Scottie Pippen (one of the fabulous basketball players), Dennis Rodman ( the eccentric athlete), and Phill Jackson ( the zen coach who steered Chicago Bulls to greatness).

Here are a few of my learnings from this documentary of the legends:

1) It all starts with a HOPE

Everything we will began is with Fiction. Imagination therefore is a potent force, which you can get better in. This is the one skill that benefits with ignorance of what everyboby knows.

-Kevin Kelly

From getting cut from his school varsity team to being the GOAT, the one thing which was most constant for Micheal Jordan was HOPE. He hoped to make Chicago Bulls the best franchise and won 6 consecutive NBA Championship. When it all starts, it starts with a hope to be the best and to do the best.

2) Do what you feel is correct and you will never regret later

Jordan left Basketball for pursuing Baseball after the demise of his father because he felt it was correct for him that time despite what media was saying and people were saying, he gave in his 100% percent in the game and despite leaving basketball, It’s been 29 years since then and Michael Jordan still doesn't regret about that decision because he made that decision for himself and not

3) The issue may be not the goal, but the approach

When we find ourselves continuously coming up short, we naturally start to feel disappointed and question whether or not our goal is possible. Michael Jordan and the Bulls found themselves in a similar situation when they weren’t having much playoffs success. From hiring new head coaches to changing the roster of the team, they just couldn’t seem to breakthrough. After losing a competitive, series in the 1990 NBA Playoffs to the Pistons for the second year in the row, they realized their issue wasn’t a lack of talent or head coaching. Their problem was a lack of physicality. As a team the Bulls decided to spend more time focusing on weight and strength training. They believed by taking this approach could help them overcome the Pistons. In 1991 when they played again in the playoffs, the Chicago Bulls not only beat them, they swept them. Their goal of winning a championship was never the problem, the problem was their approach.

4) Win humbly and Lose Gracefully

Talking about Pistons, when they swept against the Bulls they left the court without shaking hands with Bulls. Michael Jordan is a fierce competitor, but when he lost against Pistons two years in a row he shook their hands both times as a sign of respect and sportsmanship. We shouldn't let the down moments of life make us weak, bitter, and angry, because these are the moments that define us and build us. So we should accept our wins humbly and lose gracefully,

5) No matter how great you are, you can't do it alone

Coach Doug Collins’ playbook was “give the ball to Michael and get out of the way.” and this becomes obvious for the opponent and therefore easy to defend. But, when Phil joined as a coach and introduced systems that allowed all the team members to contribute according to their strengths and complacent each other. To win big, we need to surround themselves with other greats and role players, working in a system that brings out the best in everyone.

6) Always believe in your potential and never settle for less

Pippens was one of the best players in the NBA but was not one of the highest-paid players. The reason was he opted for a secure way and signed a long term contract but paid less. We all in our lifetime, make this mistake of not valuing our potential and settling for something below of what we deserve.

7) Every personnel have different background and different motivators

Dennis Rodman was shown as an eccentric character in the series with different needs than other teammates. But he was an asset to the team. So after a match of NBA, he asked for a vacation from Mike and Coach Jackson, despite knowing that he will not come in the given duration, they let me go for the vacation in Vegas. Mike evidently shows that everybody in a team has a different background and has a different motivator. The genius of Phil Jackson was knowing how to manage the personalities and giving Dennis the room he needed while cultivating the loyalty that would pay off on the game day.. This was an amazing lesson for an entrepreneur you are trying to build his/her team.

8) Live in "PRESENT"

In the last episode, the simple but beautiful thing highlighted by Mike was living in the present. Whenever he was asked about his retirement by the media, he had a similar answer with a smile on a face "I don't know". It is easier said than done. This is one thing I will definitely try to implement myself.

9) Never strive for validation, strive for greatness

Jerry Krause, General Manager of Chicago Bulls is a perfect example of how jealousy and ego can overshadow the talent and good work you bring on the table. Jerry Krause was excellent at his job. He traded Scottie Pippen from a tiny college. He added players John Paxson and then Steve Kerr. He hired and then fired Doug Collins and hired Phil Jackson. He brought on Dennis Rodman and Jack Haley. The list goes on. He was a very good general manager. But, like too many managers in business, he wanted the credit which spoilt his equation with the team, and eventually, he became the negative face for the public and media. As leaders, when you do your job because you care about your people and you love it, and then see achievements as a result, you will get plenty of accolades. People know. They always do.

10) Organizations don't win championships, they create a culture that nurtures athletes and holistic pursuit of Victory

This line and picture already tell a dozen of things. That a victory is not of an organization, it is of the people who are part of the organization and nurtured by the cultures practiced in the organization.

One more point I like to add is Everyone needs a break at some point. No matter how dedicated and inspired you to achieve sometime in life, you need to take breaks in between to work in the long term.

For me, this series was a masterclass and sneak peek in the midset of the legend. Lessons from this series are going to stay with me for a long time and help me be a better version of myself.

Grateful.