I’m not a big college football fan, but you can’t help but tune in to what Deion Sanders is doing in Colorado. After just two games into his first season as Head Coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, it is clear he is taking us all to school! Coach Prime, as he is known affectionately, has found a new calling in coaching. As I watch and admire his success, there are three lessons I think we should take from his performance at Jackson State and early wins at Colorado – confidence matters, people matter, and love is the secret sauce.
Sanders leads with confidence. He declared he would build a winning program and is doing just that so far. He has already won two games out of the gate that critics did not expect him to win. He believes in himself in a way that is infectious. And what solidifies that belief is that over the years, as a player and now a coach, he consistently backs that $%*@ up! I think sometimes we hold back on our own confidence as a precaution, just in case we lose. We already have lost as soon as that thought is given room to live. In the post-interview, he was asked a question about recruiting, and he reiterated that they expected to build a winning program so their success is not a surprise to them. Naturally, this is compelling for recruits. He is offering a great education, an opportunity to get visibility, and a shot at the next level, the NFL. How can we have that same confidence in our organizations and the folks we work with to deliver what we offer in the marketplace? Leaders, If you can find it, you can infect everyone else in the organization- just as Coach Prime infects us with his.
Deion Sanders’s profound care for his players sets him apart in every interview. He speaks of them with a genuine affection that’s palpable. He even mentioned one player, whom he treats like a son. His perspective on the players he coaches is rooted in a growth mindset, emphasizing hard work and preparation for earned opportunities. In his recent interview, he consistently emphasized the “we” in the program and its outcomes. Authentic leaders understand the power of saying “we” and truly meaning it. Sanders does, and it’s a lesson we should all take to heart. Be sincere about your team and the people on it. Let your team members know they matter to you, and don’t hesitate to express it.
The secret sauce behind all of this is love. It’s a facet we often overlook but is evident when you hear Sanders talk about his players. While his son is on the team, his heart is open to all of them. You can sense it. His call to action for game day, suggesting that “it’s personal,” rallies every heart on that team to give their best. At least, that’s the impression from an outsider’s perspective. So, what can leaders do to engage every heart on their team to give their best? Love.
Dr. Lisa
Our theme song is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Photo credit: cubuffs.com