Every now and then, a headline stops me in my tracks because I know it’s packed with leadership gold. That is exactly what happened when I saw Nate Taylor’s headline in The Athletic: For Patrick Mahomes, now more grinder than magician, winning remains ‘the important part’.
As I read the article and reflected on its lessons, I discovered a leader — Patrick Mahomes — who is laser-focused on making the adjustments necessary to stay on top. These principles are not just for athletes; they apply to anyone striving for sustained excellence in their leadership. Here are six leadership lessons inspired by Mahomes’ commitment to continual success:
1. To Continually Win You Must Prioritize Winning
Leaders can sometimes become fixated on style points—how they win, or by how much. Worse, they can become consumed with their personal contribution to the win rather than the win itself. I’ve been guilty of this myself.
After a narrow 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reminded his team, “I don’t want to see anybody hanging their head. This league is crazy. … Nothing is given to you — and you’re getting their best shot. Keep your heads up, men. Winning is the important part.”
The message is clear: Winning must remain the ultimate priority. Process and style matter, but only insofar as they lead to results.
2. To Continually Win You Must Be Willing To Change
Babe Ruth famously said, “Yesterday’s home run does not win today’s game.” Leadership requires adaptability. Yesterday’s solutions won’t solve today’s problems.
ESPN analyst Alex Smith said on “SiriusXM NFL Radio,” “He continues to change and find different ways to get you. That is the mark of an unbelievable quarterback.”
Great leaders don’t cling to past successes; they innovate and evolve to stay ahead.
3. To Continually Win You Must Stay Hungry
The greatest enemy of current success is past success. Passivity, complacency, and entitlement are the silent killers of momentum. So while you must be willing to periodically change your processes, you must not change your desire for success.
Passivity, complacency, and entitlement are the silent killers of momentum.
Smith added, “He doesn’t get enough credit for (being) such a grinder on the little things. He’s so hungry and so unchanged despite all his success. It’s just awesome to watch.”
Leaders who stay hungry inspire teams that do the same. Success is a moving target; keep pursuing it with relentless passion.
4. To Continually Win You Must Continually Be Adding Talented People To The Team
Success is a team sport. Great leaders know they can’t do it alone and make it a priority to surround themselves with talented individuals.
In recent years, Mahomes has become very involved in the scouting process and teambuilding. General Manager Breet Veach said, “He’s someone who has a great eye for talent. He just understands the qualities and characteristics that make people stand out.”
Winning teams are built on the shoulders of skilled, dedicated people. Seek them out, invest in them, and watch your impact multiply.
5. To Continually Win You Must Also Be Continually Developing Those Talented People
Recruiting talent is just the first step. The real magic happens in development. Too often, we have seen highly skilled individuals fall short because they were not nurtured to reach their full potential.
Passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier said, “It’s amazing what he’s been doing. It’s surgical. It’s very tactical. He is utilizing everybody, utilizing their strengths and he’s completing the passes, I think, in a way that really only he can.”
Great leaders are multipliers—they elevate the skills and contributions of those around them.
6. To Continually Win You Must Embrace The Struggle
Leadership is not easy. Struggle is part of the process. If you read Scripture, you will find that God never calls anyone to an easy assignment. Growth often only comes through challenges.
Mahomes said, “I learned a lot about myself last year, just when I felt I wasn’t playing my best and we were kind of struggling throughout the season. I learned how to just find ways to win. It helped me grow up, to show that it’s not about stats. It’s not about how you get it done. It’s about getting it done.”
Struggle is necessary for strength. Lean into it, embrace it, learn from it, and let it refine your leadership.
Conclusion
If you have tasted success but feel there is still more to achieve, these lessons from Patrick Mahomes are your blueprint. Prioritize winning. Be willing to change. Stay hungry. Build a great team, develop their skills, and embrace the inevitable struggles that come with leadership.
Do these six things, and you will position yourself for continued success — just like Patrick Mahomes.
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