The Magic of High-Performing Teams: Lessons from the Chicago Bulls

There’s nothing quite like being part of a truly high-performing team. It’s an experience that can shape your career, your outlook, and even your life. When I think of high-performing teams, I’m instantly reminded of the Chicago Bulls during their legendary championship run in the mid-90s—a group that redefined what it meant to work together at the highest level.

What Makes a Team High-Performing?

High-performing teams are more than just a collection of talented individuals. They are defined by a set of shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to a common goal. But how do you know when you’re actually part of one?

Signs You’re on a High-Performing Team

• Unselfish Leadership: Leaders in these teams don’t just give orders—they inspire, coach, and serve. Think of Phil Jackson’s approach with the Bulls: he fostered trust and empowered players to lead in their own right, creating a culture where everyone’s voice mattered.

• Empowerment Over Competition: Team members lift each other up rather than compete for the spotlight. Michael Jordan, despite being a superstar, often credited his teammates for their collective success. This spirit of collaboration is the hallmark of a high-performing group.

• Shared Accountability: Successes are celebrated as a team, and failures are owned collectively. There’s no finger-pointing—just a relentless focus on learning and improvement.

• Clear Purpose and Vision: Every member understands the “why” behind their work. For the Bulls, it was about more than just winning games; it was about building a dynasty and leaving a legacy.

The Feeling of Being on a Dream Team

Being part of such a team is exhilarating. There’s an energy that’s almost tangible—a sense that you’re doing something special, together. You trust your teammates implicitly, knowing they have your back. You push each other to be better, not out of rivalry, but out of genuine care and belief in what you’re building.

• Psychological Safety: You feel safe to take risks, voice bold ideas, and admit mistakes without fear of ridicule.

• Flow State: Work feels less like a grind and more like a rhythm. Challenges become opportunities, and setbacks are met with resilience.

• Personal Growth: The environment is fertile for learning. You find yourself growing not just as a professional, but as a person.

The Fragility—and Power—of High-Performing Teams

It’s important to recognize that these teams are both fragile and temporal. The right mix of talent, leadership, and culture doesn’t last forever. The Bulls dynasty, for all its dominance, eventually came to an end. But the impact of being part of such a team is lasting.

• Moments to Cherish: High-performing teams are rare. When you find yourself in one, savor it.

• Legacy of Growth: The lessons, relationships, and confidence you gain will stay with you long after the team has moved on.

• Responsibility to Recreate: Once you’ve experienced this magic, you’re in a unique position to help build it again—wherever your journey takes you.

Building Your Own Dream Team

Whether you’re a leader or a team member, you can help cultivate the conditions for high performance:

• Foster trust and open communication.

• Celebrate collective wins and learn from losses.

• Encourage empowerment and shared leadership.

• Keep the team’s purpose front and center.

High-performing teams may be fleeting, but their impact is profound. If you’re lucky enough to be part of one, embrace the experience—and strive to bring that spirit to every team you join.