In Depth With Graham Bensinger Coach K on Michael Jordan’s tactful manners | Trending Now
Mar 6, 2026
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Jordan’s Polite Request That Set Team Tone
- Michael Jordan asked Coach Mike Krzyzewski after the first Dream Team practice, please help him work on his offense.
- Jordan said please and thank you and treated assistants with respect, deliberately making everyone feel important on the team.
Use Courtesy To Create Ownership
- Do use simple courtesies and name people to give them dignity and ownership in a group.
- Krzyzewski notes that a polite request preserved his role and boosted collaboration more than a brusque command would have.
Politeness Reshaped The Team Hierarchy
- Jordan's use of please and thank you created a flat, respectful team hierarchy rather than a top-down structure.
- Krzyzewski felt included and allowed to have an ego, which reinforced buy-in and cohesive culture on the U.S. team.