The Best Way to Be The Most Powerful You!
A friend asked me if I could share one lesson I learned while speaking to a bunch of college and pro teams during Training Camp last week, what would it be?
I really had to think about this because when you are spending time with incredible leaders there is going to be some serious wisdom shared.
As I reflected and made notes about each visit and each conversation I had with each coach and what I observed (I’m a student and teacher of leadership) I realized there is a common theme, lesson and characteristic they all shared.
They are all very authentic and because they are so authentic they are powerful!
Kevin O’Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings told me when he took the job he said, ”All I can be is me because that’s all I know how to be.”
This might not seem revolutionary at first glance yet so many leaders struggle because they aren’t authentic. They try to be like the leader they worked for or try to be what they think a leader should be or what others expect them to be.
Kevin didn’t try to be Sean McVay who he worked for at the LA Rams. He decided to be himself and his Vikings culture was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.
Every place I visited you could feel the authentic power of the leader.
Whether it was Dabo being Dabo, Dave Canales sharing relentless optimism, Trent Dilfer pouring his heart and soul into his players and turning pain into his greater purpose, there was a spirit and energy so strong I didn’t want to leave.
I joined Matt Rhule, the head coach of Nebraska for his new podcast. Yes, he started a new podcast (I believe other coaches will follow his lead) as he boldly builds Nebraska football into a contender once again. He’s the most himself he’s ever been and he’s the most powerful he’s ever been. Which is saying a lot because he has built numerous successful programs.
Liam Coen, the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars even has authentic as one of his core values because he realized it was one of the key ingredients to his success and rise as a leader and coach. He and his GM want their players to be the real and best version of themselves.
When you are the most authentically you, you are the most powerful you.
Replicas are cheap. Originals are priceless.
Fake is weak. Real is powerful.
You don’t have to be like anyone else. You are enough. You being you is what people want and will connect to the most.
In a world that wants you to be like everyone else when you decide to be your real, unique self others will gravitate to you, connect with you, and want to be lead by you.
Lead Positive,
Jon