Worklife with Adam Grant

NBA Hall of Famer Joe Dumars on managing eclectic personalities

May 16, 2023

Joe Dumars, a six-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, shares insights from his remarkable career with the Detroit Pistons. He discusses the importance of embracing individuality within team dynamics, highlighting how different personalities can create a strong culture. Dumars emphasizes effective leadership qualities like humility and kindness over personal ambition. He also explores the value of communication in NBA operations and the lessons learned from managing diverse talents, advocating for personal freedom in leadership choices.

31:38

Creator website

Episode guests

Joe Dumars

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Choosing Your Path and Values in a Complex System

00:39

Qualities of Effective Leaders and Success in the Long Run

02:18

Lessons on Discipline and Freedom from Tom Brady's Father

01:22

Intro

2min

The Impact of Individuality in Team Dynamics

18min

Rethinking Norms and Embracing Individuality

2min

Essentials of Effective Leadership

4min

Bridging the Gap in NBA Operations

4min

Embracing Diverse Paths in Leadership

2min

Six-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer Joe Dumars spent 14 years with the Detroit Pistons. As the quiet leader of multiple championship teams, he guarded Michael Jordan –who said he did it better than anyone else– and helped keep teammates like Dennis Rodman focused. Although it was the “Bad Boys” era, Joe was the first-ever recipient of the NBA Sportsmanship Award, which is now named after him. After playing hard – and fair – Joe went on to spend another 14 years as the Pistons’ president of basketball operations, and is now a top executive in the NBA. Joe speaks with Adam about his leadership style both on and off the court, and shares the wisdom he’s learned about managing all kinds of people – and making teams better. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts.

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