Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success

I was expecting a book pretty focused on leadership, instead it was a story of the coaching life of Phil Jackson, extraordinaire of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers fame.  The autobiography outlining his career (Phil Jackson) is captured in Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success.  Jackson is one of the most esteemed coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association, winning eleven championships in a relatively short period of time.  In securing this feat, Jackson passed his mentor’s (Red Holtmann) nemesis, Redd Aurebach, as the all-time leader in the elusive rings.  Jackson chronicles his rise from player (playing on the championship Knicks) to the ride as head coach in the “semi-pro” leagues to assistant coach and finally to being the head honcho.  Jackson was the son of a Christian minister growing up with ultra-conservative parental influence.  Jackson turned to basketball as a scrawny, tall young man.  With the great teachings of coaches, Jackson went on to a pro career.  Some of his influences in his life include his college coach, NBA coach, and coaches who invented “new” twists to defensive and offensive approaches to the game of basketball.  The “tri-angle” offense was one such approach that led to the winning ways of the Chicago Bulls.  Jackson provides detail into each of the winning seasons as coach leading such players as Scottie Pippin, Dennis Rodman, Shaq, Horace Grant, Rick Fox, and of course the two all-time greats: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.  The reader learns of the challenges the media, ownership, GMs, and of course the star players cause in taking one’s mind off of the game.  The “Zen” process in building a team of individuals is shared throughout, as are interesting quotes to begin each of the chapters.  While there are some great nuggets that provide some superficial-level insight into how the coach led the troops, I would have enjoyed much more depth into 1-2 of the pinnacle experiences of gaining the rings, rather than a year-by-year sharing of the annual “dramas” and heartaches associated with leading a group of over-paid athletes complaining they want more money or playing time (or even dealing with the sexual assault allegations or accusations of gambling).  We once again learn that living the “good life” is always associated with drama.  I loved the fact that Jackson provided a book to each of his players each year (based on what he thought they needed to learn each year as a player).  It is clear Jackson is a brilliant man – with capabilities of changing his approach based on the talent level he is given.  I am not the biggest fan of the NBA, so those who love it, this book is a no-brainer.  For those hoping to get a real in depth analysis of how to lead, you may be a bit disappointed, as I was.  Oh well, it is a journey through the 90s and 2000s, so there are some  “oh yeah I remember that happening while I was….” Not a throw away, but $29 for this book?  What until it comes out on half.com!