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In March, a notable story involving the New York Knicks emerged when Mikal Bridges, one of the team's key players, approached coach Tom Thibodeau with a request to reduce his heavy playing minutes. While Bridges believed they had discussed it, Thibodeau denied any such conversation took place. This discrepancy attracted the attention of Spencer Harrison, a professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD, who examined the situation through the lens of leadership and organizational culture.

Thibodeau is a coach passionate about basketball and renowned for his defensive acumen. However, he has been criticized for his rigid approach to coaching. Four of the top 10 players in total minutes played this season hailed from the Knicks, raising concerns about player burnout and a lack of bench development during the postseason. Despite Thibodeau leading the Knicks to significant success, his inflexibility might have played a role in the team's decision to part ways with him after their exit from the Eastern Conference Finals.

The situation brought to mind research by Harrison's colleague, Pier Vittorio Mannucci from Bocconi University. Mannucci's study on animation teams at Pixar and DreamWorks highlighted the benefits of having a diverse team with varied expertise. Teams equipped with a broad skillset tend to be more adaptable and better at solving creative problems. This principle, Harrison suggests, can be applied to basketball. The most successful teams aren’t just comprised of specialists or generalists but rather have a strategic mix employed by a flexible leader.

This organizational insight also sheds light on leadership transitions. 3M's experience in the early 2000s serves as a cautionary tale. The company appointed James McNerney from General Electric, hoping his efficiency-driven approach would revive their innovative spirit. Instead, McNerney's methods clashed with 3M's culture, leading to minimal gains and his eventual departure.

As the Knicks prepare for life post-Thibodeau, their challenge mirrors that of many businesses: integrating the strengths of the existing culture while embracing new strategies. The key will be to find a leader who isn’t just committed to a rigid system but is willing to learn, adapt, and maximize the diverse talents within the team. This approach could potentially foster a more dynamic and resilient organization, both on and off the court.