Like many of you, I have been doing a lot of reading on football the last two weeks.  The following are some of the interesting leadership lessons I have gleaned that I want to share with you.  Thanks to the USA Today for the quotes.

1. From the Boise St. Broncos we learn…Continuity – Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier is entering his 30th year.  Former Head Coach Dirk Koetter came in 1998 and brought Assistant Coach Dan Hawkins with him.  After three seasons, Hawkins took over as head coach where he compiled a 53-11 record in five years.  His Offensive Coordinator Chris Peterson then took over as head coach where he has served the last four years.

Gene’s real magic was his ability to keep Chris Peterson as offensive coordinator and then promote him to head coach.”  – WAC Commissioner Karl Benson 

“They’ve had continuity of teaching, they’re very good evaluators and they coach them like crazy.” – Oregon State coach Mike Riley

2. From the Alabama Crimson Tide we learn…Process – “It’s more difficult to focus on the process of what it takes to be successful when you’re coming off success.  That’s certainly going to be a challenge for our team: our player’s willingness to focus on doing the right things.  The things that are necessary to create an identity for this team in terms of what this team wants to accomplish and what this team can do in this football season is what we’re trying to focus on.” – Nick Saban

3. From the Atlanta Falcons we learn…Accountability and Preparation  “Tom’s (Brady) a fiery leader who demanded accountability.  The same thing with Matt (Ryan).” – GM Thomas Dimitroff

He’s (Ryan) the hardest working guy on our team.  And he’s coming into his own about saying and doing what’s best for this team.” – Tony Gonzalez.  Ryan spent the off-season studying video of last season’s five best quarterbacks – Brady, Manning, Brees (check-down efficiency), Rivers (deep passing), and Rodgers (led the NFL in 3rd down passing).  “Each guy was a little bit different. I was impressed with their consistency, first and second down, third down, red zone, just consistently making good plays.”

“The common denominator with Drew, Phillip, and Matt is how they study, what they bring to the meeting room, and how they elevate guys.” – Michael Turner

4. From the Seattle Seahawks we learn…Responsibility – “We’re not asking him to be Walter Jones.  In fact, we’re asking him not to be Walter Jones.  Come to training camp.  Just be here.  Just learn the snap count with us.” – Matt Hasselbeck on Russell Okung

Continuity, Process, Accountability, Preparation, Responsibility.  Leaders, which of these are causing you the most challenges? 

For future leadership insights, please subscribe to this post or click here.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Designed by Rolla Creative