The older I get the more I understand and appreciate the importance of stability. But I also know with the how fast the world is changing and the constant need for innovation. If you are unable to continually innovate, you will soon become obsolete.
When studying innovative organizations many people default to science or technology. But I would surmise you also take a look professional football which has evolved into game of highly physical chess played on grass. The level of innovation in schematics and strategy has become astounding.
Recently, Derrik Klassen, a NFL film analyst, ranked in order of their skill and ability all thirty-two of the leagues’ play-callers on the wonderful website the33rdteam.com. These are the “mad scientists” in today’s game.
10 Necessary Skills Of Today’s Innovative Leaders
This list provides a template for innovative leaders regardless of the industry. First will be the necessary skills followed by the coach who embodies that trait in the order Klassen ranked them.
The following are 10 necessary skills of today’s innovative leaders:
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- Adaptability – Coming in at the top spot was San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Klassen feels Shanahan is the gold standard of today’s play-callers. For many years, Shanahan “believed exclusively in zone runs.” More recently he has adapted to changing defenses and embraced gap runs done from a number of formations.
- Hard Decisions – Most creative leaders don’t equate hard decisions with creativity. The reality is you must often leave the old to discover the new. Even though he helped lead the team to the Super Bowl, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay traded quarterback Jared Goff and other assets to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford. The move allowed him to upgrade the team’s passing inventory and ultimately win a league championship. For more on the leadership of McVay and Stafford, read 45 Leadership Quotes and Lessons from Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay on Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, and Building a Winning Culture.
- Removing Obstacles – Creative leaders must remove the clutter preventing innovation. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is noted for creating space for his players to operate in.
- Speed – The speed of innovation must exceed the speed of change in your industry or irrelevance will take place. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel takes advantage of the speed of his players.
- Vision – Creative leaders see a future others do not. This past season the Green Bay Packers had the youngest team in the league. However, head coach Matt Lafleur had a unique vision for each of the team’s players and sequenced plays to develop them and maximize their skill sets.
- Solutions – Creative leaders must compensate for areas of their team which are not strengths. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was forced to work around the limitations of some of his players this past season. You likely will need to as well.
- Depth – Great teams have great depth and great leaders know how to utilize that depth. For instance, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell used every player on his team to perfection this past season.
- Insight – Creative leaders understand the essence of what they are dealing with. Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has the unique ability to recognize what defenses are doing and attacks their weaknesses.
- Customization – This past season the Cleveland Browns started four quarterbacks and still made the playoffs. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey deserve a tremendous amount of credit. They continually altered the offense and play-calling to fit each one quarterback’s strengths.
- Focus – Avoid distractions and play to your strengths. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson crafted one of the most creative run packages in the league behind the team’s large offensive line.
What is one thing you can apply from this list which will make you a more creative leader?
To read the full list of all thirty-two NFL teams in order, click the following:
Ranking Every NFL Offensive Play-Caller Entering 2024 Offseason
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