If you grew up in the 1980s and early 1990s, Michael Jordan should form a part of your memories, as probably the first mega-star that transcended even sports. Reading his biography, he is portrayed as a more complicated person beyond his fabled persona. What qualities define him as a person?
- Ultra-competitive. Will challenge anyone at anything. Has an unquenchable will to win.
- Business-minded, strategic. Willing to bet take risk, bet of himself and maximize his worth.
- Hard working. Back his competitiveness with extreme work ethics to be the best.
- Vengeful. Used slight as fuel to do better
- Distrustful. Kept small group he can trust
- Loyal, especially to his posse
- Teachable. He took the lessons of his upbringing, friends and mentors and continually honed himself to improve and be better
In a way, it is interesting to see that as transcendant his talent was, he still needed the various pieces, including Phil Jackson as coach and Pippen as his sidekick to win his unprecedented 6 championships. His life post-Bulls is also uneven, taking on a player-coach role at Wizards and GM role at Bobcats and never found nearly the same level of success as in his playing days. He’s criticized for not using his platform to further any of the more pressing goals and needs beyond his own personal interest. He is as complex as it comes and provide a continuous fascination of what it takes to be the best and the tradeoff and legacy of such lofty goal.