After winning his third BCS Championship in four years, Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has entered into the discussion of the best college football coaches of all-time. Because of his success, influence, and ability to build an organization, Coach Saban is also one of the world’s greatest leaders regardless of the area of discipline.
A leader of Saban’s caliber will obviously be in high demand. Earlier today, he once again put to rest any desire he may have to return to NFL coaching. In doing so, he gave us a unique glimpse into what makes him such a great leader. As I watched the press conference above, the following were the principles I gleaned that each of us can apply to our leadership:
- Great Leaders Address Issues – Regardless of the number of times Saban has addressed the topic of the NFL, he understands must continually address the issue. Addressing issues removes doubt and insecurity.
- Great Leaders Communicate With Clarity
- Great Leaders Properly Evaluate Previous Experience – Saban evaluates current opportunities through the lens of his previous experience coaching the Miami Dolphins.
- Great Leaders Attract Other Great Leaders – Birds of a feather flock together. Saban had multiple options when he resigned as LSU’s coach. Upon choosing to work for the Dolphins, Saban was employed by “the best owner, the best person that he ever had the opportunity to work for.” By contrast, great leaders do not remain in poor organizations.
- Great Leaders Desire To Make An Impact – Average or sub-par leaders focus on titles, personal wealth, parking spaces, and office locations. Great leaders, on the other hand, focus on influence and impacting as many lives as possible.
- Great Leaders Work In Great Environments – As Saban said, “I know where I belong and I’m at peace with that.” The NFL’s rules are structured in such a way that worked against Saban’s desire to make an impact. Coaching in college is a much better fit for his passions and desires. He is working in his sweet spot. Are you?
- Great Leaders Select Great Teammates – Urban Meyer noted on ESPN’s SportsCenter that Alabama does a great job selecting players who fit their scheme and culture. As Saban said, “(In the NFL) you draft the player that’s there when you pick. Might not be the player you need. Might not be the player you want.”
- Great Leaders Admit Mistakes – Saban admitted that NFL success is dependant on a great quarterback. In selecting Dante Culpepper rather than Drew Brees, the Dolphins did not position the team for future success. Leaders who do not admit mistakes are insecure.
- Great Leaders Impact People Personally – Great leaders wish for the quality of their teammates’ lives to be better for having served under their leadership.
- Great Leaders Give People A Hope And A Future – Saban has a strong desire to help people position themselves for strong careers in both the athletic and business sectors after their collegiate career has concluded.
- Great Leaders Have Self-Gratification – Because they focus primarily on influencing and impacting others, great leaders have much self-gratification. It is important to note there is a difference between self-gratification and satisfaction. Saban, like all great leaders, is rarely satisfied.
After reviewing these 11 leadership qualities, what is one thing you can TODAY to influence and impact more lives? Because it is the ability to positively influence and impact human life that makes you a great leader.
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