Bob Myers and The Value of Relationships in Building the Warriors’ Dynasty
Bob Myers stepping aside as General Manager of the Golden State Warriors marks the end of one of the greatest runs for a sports team executive in recent memory.
Myers will be remembered by most as the architect of a pro sports dynasty. But when looking at those who worked beside him, it's clear that Myers' true legacy within the Warriors organization will be the relationships he built with every person in the building.
Incoming Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy was asked at his introductory press conference what was the biggest thing he learned from his five years working alongside Bob Myers. His answer offers clues as to why Golden State was able to sustain such a long run of success.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy on learning the value of relationships from Bob Myers
“I think with Bob the biggest thing I’ve learned is the value of relationships. And his connection with people, not only within this organization and on this team, but around the league, is important...
It’s communication, and that type of stuff from even the last five years, getting on top of that and learning to do that...Bob’s taken it to another level, and it’s something that I’ve really learned to value”
In studying Myers and his leadership style, it's clear that soft skills like humility, authenticity, and empathy allowed him to keep a pulse on the people he led, and also build meaningful, personal relationships with each member of the organization.
Myers highlighted the importance of relationships and connecting with people in an interview with Forbes in 2019:
Myers on the key to building successful relationships
"In this business—and all businesses—you need relationships. Connecting with people, managing people—it’s imperfect. We’re all kind of screwed up. It’s acknowledging that and being vulnerable. When you’re talking to a player about their life or decisions you’ve got to make, you (have to be) authentic. People want to connect to somebody who is authentic."
Myers' ability to connect with people in an authentic way - from players, to coaches, to the unseen staff members of the team - were the key to creating successful relationships with everyone involved with the Golden State Warriors organization, and served as the foundation that championship teams were built on.
