subject: Executive Leadership Lessons From Football [print this page] Executive Leadership Lessons From Football
Since it's still football season...here is another great sports leadership story. Graham Watson, college football writer for FanHouse, relates a story tailor made for every leader in every organization.
Any leader can relate to this.
Last year Mike Haywood was in his first year as football coach at Miami-Ohio and "several players didn't buy into" his system. (Sound familiar?)
"There were rifts and cliques in the locker room, dissension and ultimately a total lack of cohesion across the program." (This is a typical dysfunctional team, sports or corporate.)
"After last season, Haywood knew he needed to make some drastic changes."
Haywood "brought in strength and condition coach Paul Jackson from LSU to make his team more physically capable to compete." (This is equivalent to training and skill development in other organizations.)
"But more important, Haywood started trying to understand his players and learn WHY there were so many differences between them and the coaching staff." (In other words, you ALWAYS have to find the CAUSE of the problem.)
Haywood called in a consultant to talk to the players and make an assessment of what was going on. (Haywood knew an outsider could get to the root of the problem better and faster than an insider ever could.)
One of the players, captain and defensive back Jordan Gafford said this "he gave the coaches a more accurate picture of the psychological makeup of the guys... It was easy to be honest with (the consultant)."
Then the consultant told Haywood "the best way to coach the guys." (That is, how to manage to individual differences.) The consultant also explained "how to help players fulfill their goals and ambitions." (This is essential for any leader who wants to motivate team members to perform well.)
By recognizing the individual differences and needs of the players, "coaches started to breed trust and, in turn, players were more open to their coaches with both football and non-football issues." (Leaders, listen up. This formula ALWAYS works.)
Haywood says all of this has really been beneficial. Miami-Ohio is undefeated in conference play "and on the road to their first bowl game since 2007."
Haywood often references "the 180 his team has done in just one season."
This could be YOUR team.
Haywood provides the guide.
We provide the resources to make it happen for you. Contact us at the Belief System Institute. 678.576.5207.
