Gregg Popovich’s 4 Principles for Managing Powerful Personalities

How Gregg Popovich Manages Powerful NBA Personalities

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, not only for his strategic acumen and winning championships, but also for his unique approach to managing powerful personalities of NBA players. In a league filled with rich and influential superstar players, Popovich has consistently succeeded by focusing on building strong, trusting relationships and maintaining a culture of accountability and high standards. Here are four principles that define Popovich’s coaching style for managing powerful NBA personalities:

1. Accountability Through Honest Communication

Building trust with players starts with telling them the truth and following through on it. Popovich believes in what he calls "brutal, between-the-eyes honesty." He never tries to trick or manipulate a player by saying one thing and doing another. This direct approach fosters respect and trust, as players always know where they stand and what is expected of them. “I think you have to have accountability. For us, the thing that works best is total, brutal, between-the-eyes honesty,” Popovich said. “I never try to trick a player or manipulate them, tell them something that I'm going to have to change next week.” By being honest and straightforward, Popovich creates an environment where players are accountable to themselves and their teammates, setting the foundation for a culture of mutual respect.

2. Same Standards for Everyone

Popovich’s approach is built on the premise that everyone is held to the same standards, regardless of their stature or talent. Whether you're a superstar or a role player, if you make a mistake or don’t execute as expected, you will hear about it. Former player Richard Jefferson said of his time with the Spurs, "Pop didn't care if you averaged 20 points a game. If you went under a screen that you weren't supposed to, he was calling a timeout, cussing you out, and probably sitting you down." This kind of consistency ensures that everyone is held accountable and knows what is expected, leading to a strong team dynamic where all players are treated fairly.

3. Build a Character-Based Team

For Popovich, coaching is easier when players “have gotten over themselves.” This philosophy focuses on drafting and developing players who are open to coaching and have a growth mindset. Popovich's strategy is to find individuals who prioritize the team over their ego. "We draft guys who have gotten over themselves," he said. Having players like Tim Duncan, who embraced this mindset, made it possible for Popovich to coach his star player with the same intensity and honesty he applied to everyone else. When a team’s best player buys into this culture, it creates a ripple effect throughout the locker room, making it easier to hold everyone accountable and focus on collective success.

4. Value Relationships Over Everything

Popovich understands that players are people first and athletes second. He shows this by taking a genuine interest in their lives, beyond just what they do on the court. This deep sense of care fosters trust and strengthens relationships, which in turn enhances the team's cohesion and performance. Popovich's emotional intelligence and empathy have created deep bonds with his players. Demar DeRozan recounted Popovich showing up at his house the day his father passed away, saying, “Pop sat in the room and cried with me for two hours. He told me, ‘I’m not leaving until you leave.’” Moments like these show that Popovich values his players as individuals, building strong, lasting connections that go beyond basketball.

Popovich’s success is rooted not just in his basketball IQ but in his mastery of the soft skills that allow him and other coaches alike to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, and create cultures of high standards and accountability. His approach serves as a masterclass in leadership, emphasizing honesty, fairness, character, and genuine human connection to manage powerful personalities effectively and build championship teams.