What can football coaches teach us about leadership and how to successfully build culture? A whole lot more than one might think. The pivotal lessons from legendary coaches such as Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, and John Wooden extend far beyond the field or court. They’re about people, culture, and what it takes to build something truly great.
In this article, we’ll explore three powerful lessons from football coaches that can help you build a winning culture in your organization.
At its core, culture isn’t just an abstract concept or a perk. It’s truly the heartbeat of any successful team or organization. As Bill Walsh, the legendary 49ers coach, once said, “Champions behave like champions long before they are crowned.”
A thriving culture isn’t built overnight, and it’s certainly not something that can just be delegated. It begins with how an organization’s leaders show up every day, how they treat others, and how they lead.
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and build a winning culture, watch the video below for actionable tips and lessons from the greatest football coaches.
1. A Burning Desire to Improve Culture
Great coaches don’t leave culture to chance. They make it their mission. They know that a thriving culture isn’t just something that happens. It’s something you build, day by day. But let’s be honest—culture is often treated as an afterthought. It’s easy to feel like it’s out of your control, especially if you’re not the CEO or in an executive leadership role. Here’s the truth: you don’t need a specific title to make an impact. Building a strong culture starts with how you show up every single day—how you lead, how you treat others, and how much you care. It’s in the small, consistent actions that culture is shaped.
Ask yourself: What kind of culture am I creating today?
2. Building People Up
Great football coaches don’t just manage their teams. They coach, inspire, and constantly build people up. Sure, a head coach may hold the top title, but the greatest leaders earn respect not through their position but through consistent actions. They pour into the lives of their players, immersing themselves in the process and leading by example. It’s not about barking orders or issuing directives. It’s about creating a supportive, enriching environment where people feel valued and motivated to grow.
Think about it: How are you showing up for your team today? Are you merely managing, or are you genuinely coaching and developing?
3. Bringing Positive Energy Daily
Every business leader can learn from the positive energy great coaches regularly bring to their teams. As a leader, it’s easy to forget that your team is always watching your every move. The energy you bring sets the tone for everyone around you. The truth is, we can’t control every event we encounter. But we can control how we respond. The greatest coaches fully understand this—they know that their responses, whether calm in the face of adversity or enthusiastic in moments of success, shape their team’s spirit and resolve.
Here’s the question: What kind of energy are you bringing to your team today?
Lead the Way and Build a Culture of Greatness
Bringing these lessons from great football coaches into the business world offers a powerful framework for leaders. By committing to improving culture, building people up, and bringing positivity into the workplace every day, you can transform your team and organization.
Culture isn’t a destination. It’s a never-ending journey. It’s something you continually build and nurture. Whether you’re leading your team through a digital transformation or inspiring them with a shared vision of the future, remember this: the heart of a championship team is rooted in its culture.
Let these lessons from football coaches be your guide as you continue to build a culture that inspires greatness.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to build a culture that inspires greatness, explore my playbook on building culture, featured in my book Culture Is the Way. Learn how to transform your team and organization from within.