When people talk about a performer being a “star” they are usually referring to exceptional talent.  I want you to consider that talent is just the ticket that gets you in the door.

I don’t care if you are talking about movies, sports or the top sales person in an organization, there are certain responsibilities that go with the title of “star” and, especially with the over-used “super-star”.  Let’s take a closer look.

When Phil Jackson took over the Head Coach’s job with the Chicago Bulls athey began to be a better team almost instantly.  Without that much improvement in personnel they suddenly were a contender.

I, of course, wasn’t privileged to hear the early Jackson-Jordan conversations But from what I could observe from the actions taken I think they went something like this:

Jackson:  I know you want to be a champion.  Great players win championships.

Jordan:  Of course I do.

Jackson  What has prevented that from happening to date?

Jordan:  We need some more good players.

Jackson:  Our squad is pretty much set for the coming season and I don’t think there is much talent free that we could get.  Should we just wait until next year?

Jordan:  No, but what can we do?

Jackson:  You need to do what a “super-star” does.

Jordan:  What’s that?

Jackson:  You need to make everyone around you a better player off and on the court.

Jordan:  Off the court?

Jackson:  Yes.  Spend some time with them.  Appreciate them. Let them know you need them.  Support them to be the best that they can be.  They are professionals too.  They need to know they have your respect.

And the rest is history.  Obviously this is a made-up conversation as I have no idea what was said.  What I can say is that however he did it Jackson got this across;  Super Stars make everyone around them better by creating relationships based in mutual respect.

This premise will hold up in other disciplines as well.  Movie stars such as Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep have hit after hit because they know this.  Clint Eastwood, whether acting or directing or both personifies this.

I think there are many coaches who fear having stars period.  It is the coach’s job to show them how to be a star.  If every  player has their attention on making the people around them better then “team” starts to become a reality.

We are not often blessed with having someone with “superstar” talent.  When you get one give him/her a chance to earn the title.  Show them the way.