10 Mantras Dabo Swinney Used To Build A Winning And Positive Culture At Clemson

I am currently reading Manie Robinson’s excellent book Top of the Hill: Dabo Swinney and Clemson’s Rise to College Football Greatness.  In chapter 4, Robinson tells the story of the events which unfolded on Monday, October 13, 2008.  This was the day Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips relieved head football coach Tommy Bowden of his responsibilities and named Coach Swinney as his interim coach.

In essence, this would be a six-game, seven-week tryout for Dabo to win the head job.  As he does with everything, Coach Swinney went all-in.  He began making staffing changes and took the needed steps to transform Clemson into a winning and positive culture.

As with many leadership changes, there was much negativity and bad habits surrounding the program at the time.  Swinney combated this mentality with a series of personal mantras which I want to share with you.

If you wish to purchase Robinson’s book, click HERE or on the image provided.

The following are 10 Mantras Dabo Swinney Used To Build A Winning And Positive Culture At Clemson:

1. Best is the standard.  Swinney said, “It’s not about being the best.  It’s about being your best.  We’re not here to compare ourselves to other people.  If you’re doing the best you can, you can live with whatever results you get.”
2. Don’t let anybody walk through your mind with dirty feet.
3. Control what you can control.
4. Championships are won when no one is looking.
5. Greatness never goes on sale.  You must pay full price.
6. To be an overachiever, you have to be an over-believer.
7. The only disability in life is a bad attitude.
8. If you’re going to be great, you can’t ever be satisfied.
9. There is no elevator to greatness, you have to take the stairs.
10. Let the light that shines in you be brighter than the light that shines on you.

It is interesting to look back on the three high-profile college football coaching vacancies following the 2008 season.

• The Tennessee Volunteers hired Lane Kiffin coming off a 1-3 record with the Oakland Raiders.  Kiffin left after just one season.
• The Auburn Tigers hired Gene Chizik coming off a 2-10 record at Iowa State.  Chizik was relieved of his duties after four seasons with a 33-19 record.  This does include a 2010 national championship team and 14-0 record.
• And the Clemson Tigers officially hired Dabo Swinney coming off a 4-3 record including a Gator Bowl loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  To date, Coach Swinney has a 130-31 record in 12 seasons.  This includes two national championships.

Though it seemed like the riskiest of the three hires at the time, Phillips’ choice of Swinney was clearly the correct one.

Here is your action item – If you are looking at what is needed to build a winning and positive culture at your organization, click HERE to purchase Robinson’s book Top of the Hill: Dabo Swinney and Clemson’s Rise to College Football Greatness.

My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase.  If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you!  By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you.  This book is not to be read alone.  Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence.  Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.