10 Qualities To Look For In A Leader Who Can Turn Your Organization Around

Do you have a plan for regaining lost momentum?  Do you know what to look for in a leader who can facilitate positive change?  The November 22nd edition of The Sporting News featured an article on 10 NFL coaches who would make great hires for any team looking to turn around their fortunes.

When looking for a problem solver, these are the 10 leadership skills that are needed.  The testimonials are from people who know them best.

1. Motivation – “His players love him.  He says all the things that players say behind closed doors.  He’s a great motivator.” – Shannon Sharpe on Brian Billick
2. Preparation – “It takes preparation from the coaches and the players, getting everybody to work as a unit.” – Charles Woodson on Dom Capers
3. Concern – “He learned how to take better care of his players, giving them days off or pushing them when necessary.” – Merrill Hoge on Bill Cowher
4. Communication – “He thrives off feedback.  What he’s been doing has been a masterpiece.” – Antrel Rolle on Perry Fewell
5. Sympathetic – “He played the game, so he understands his players.” – Pat Williams on Leslie Frazier
6. Expertise – “I’ve heard many owners  talk about building a franchise like the Steelers.  Russ knows the way.” – Alan Faneca on Russ Grimm
7. Energy – “He’s pretty intense…He’s fanatical about football.  He wakes up at 3:00 AM.” – Barrett Rudd on Jon Gruden
8. Creativity – “He’s probably the most creative guy in the league.  He’s a football junkie.” – Rex Ryan on Rob Ryan
9. Flexibility – He is flexible enough to try new things.  “I can’t imagine how much knowledge he’s gotten from having a father like Marty.” – Nick Mangold on Brian Schottenheimer
10. Production – “He’s very passionate with a brilliant mind.  He’s very vocal.  Whatever he’s thinking, he’s going to say.  Everywhere he’s been, he’s had success.  He’s a good football coach, one of the best I’ve been around.” – Mark Brunnell on Gregg Williams

Motivation, Preparation, Concern, Communication, Sympathetic, Expertise, Energy, Creativity, Flexibility, Production.   The answer to any problem is a person.  The person you are looking for to turn your organization around has these 10 qualities.

For the record, my top three picks from this list to coach my NFL team would be Cowher, then Greg Williams, and finally Rob Ryan.

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