#192: Coach Phil Jackson on learning from roles models (Bell Cows)
Mon Dec 08 2025
Albert Bandura claimed that some of our deepest learning occurs socially – from what we observe and adopt from what we interact with around us. In this conversation with Coach Jackson, we discussed learning from role models, as well as how coaches can utilize players as models on their teams. Our conversation addressed:
1. Cows. Temple Grandin.
2. What Coach Jackson learned from role models. Unconscious modeling.
3. Learning by coaching in the CBA – the “minor leagues.”
4. One of Coach Jackson’s Bell Cows, Red Holzman.
5. How rules can be inconsequential. Examples in action make the difference.
6. Players modeling desirable attributes on teams.
7. Are leaders born?
8. “I think there are moments when you’re vaulted into a leadership role. I think it sometimes makes us. There are situations that call for it.” 19:25
9. “It’s not about me, it’s about the team.”
10. “You cannot stop. You cannot get stagnant.”
11. Gratefulness. “One has to be grateful. I think the first element of living your life in the morning is to spend time in gratefulness and practicing the presence of the universe, the order, the Supreme Being. Your God. And your belief system. And when you center yourself in that particular aspect, I think you become humbled.”
12. “When you read you have to have an open mind.”
13. Learning as a father. “As a parent, your children are your teachers.”
14. “The wealth of a man is measured by his family, his relations, his relationships, not by power or money.”
15. Coming through hard times, difficult times that we all face. “One of the things that’s important is accepting responsibility. Don’t blame. And accepting that you have to be grateful for these experiences because they are what’s showing you the ever-changing relationship we have with life. We’re faced with all these facets of life that bring change. And change is the most difficult thing for people to adapt to, to live with. Unceasing change turns the wheel of life so that we may see it in all of its various forms.”
16. There’s going to be unceasing change in your life. You cannot keep it static and what you always want it to be…All of these things are an opportunity for you to adapt and be part of the change. And accept it instead of fighting against it. That is one of the keys, I think, to living a peaceful coexistence with life.”
17. The responsibility of being a coach lays upon each one of you that wants to be a coach. You’re not just going to show the principles of your sport or the skills that are necessary for your sport, but you’re also going to teach a behavioral pattern to these younger people that are under your tutelage. How you address them and how you participate with them in this effort is really a responsibility of your own making. You’ve chosen this. And now it’s your responsibility to stand up to it and hold it and embrace it. Take advantage of the opportunity it is to portray some of the things that you think are important for people to learn: the basics of your sport; the love of competition; to compete with a passion and yet with still a joy.
18. Learning from a mistake early in his career.
19. Being receptive to insights from former players and recognizing that past players are part of the culture. “There’s plenty of room in the tent.” 33:35
20. Holding things back from the team initially so that there would be more to learn as the season went on.
21. Adapting to players. “If you have a really good idea, please bring it to us.”
22. Helping Kobe Bryant to become a leader. 43:46. “How do you expect to be a leader if you don’t participate in the community?”
23. Drawing from diverse sources to teach leadership.
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Albert Bandura claimed that some of our deepest learning occurs socially – from what we observe and adopt from what we interact with around us. In this conversation with Coach Jackson, we discussed learning from role models, as well as how coaches can utilize players as models on their teams. Our conversation addressed: 1. Cows. Temple Grandin. 2. What Coach Jackson learned from role models. Unconscious modeling. 3. Learning by coaching in the CBA – the “minor leagues.” 4. One of Coach Jackson’s Bell Cows, Red Holzman. 5. How rules can be inconsequential. Examples in action make the difference. 6. Players modeling desirable attributes on teams. 7. Are leaders born? 8. “I think there are moments when you’re vaulted into a leadership role. I think it sometimes makes us. There are situations that call for it.” 19:25 9. “It’s not about me, it’s about the team.” 10. “You cannot stop. You cannot get stagnant.” 11. Gratefulness. “One has to be grateful. I think the first element of living your life in the morning is to spend time in gratefulness and practicing the presence of the universe, the order, the Supreme Being. Your God. And your belief system. And when you center yourself in that particular aspect, I think you become humbled.” 12. “When you read you have to have an open mind.” 13. Learning as a father. “As a parent, your children are your teachers.” 14. “The wealth of a man is measured by his family, his relations, his relationships, not by power or money.” 15. Coming through hard times, difficult times that we all face. “One of the things that’s important is accepting responsibility. Don’t blame. And accepting that you have to be grateful for these experiences because they are what’s showing you the ever-changing relationship we have with life. We’re faced with all these facets of life that bring change. And change is the most difficult thing for people to adapt to, to live with. Unceasing change turns the wheel of life so that we may see it in all of its various forms.” 16. There’s going to be unceasing change in your life. You cannot keep it static and what you always want it to be…All of these things are an opportunity for you to adapt and be part of the change. And accept it instead of fighting against it. That is one of the keys, I think, to living a peaceful coexistence with life.” 17. The responsibility of being a coach lays upon each one of you that wants to be a coach. You’re not just going to show the principles of your sport or the skills that are necessary for your sport, but you’re also going to teach a behavioral pattern to these younger people that are under your tutelage. How you address them and how you participate with them in this effort is really a responsibility of your own making. You’ve chosen this. And now it’s your responsibility to stand up to it and hold it and embrace it. Take advantage of the opportunity it is to portray some of the things that you think are important for people to learn: the basics of your sport; the love of competition; to compete with a passion and yet with still a joy. 18. Learning from a mistake early in his career. 19. Being receptive to insights from former players and recognizing that past players are part of the culture. “There’s plenty of room in the tent.” 33:35 20. Holding things back from the team initially so that there would be more to learn as the season went on. 21. Adapting to players. “If you have a really good idea, please bring it to us.” 22. Helping Kobe Bryant to become a leader. 43:46. “How do you expect to be a leader if you don’t participate in the community?” 23. Drawing from diverse sources to teach leadership.