A Commanding Culture: Five Lessons From The Washington Commanders Culture Turnaround

The D.C. metro area is BUZZING with excitement as The Washington Commanders are set to play for the NFC Championship this weekend. With a rookie quarterback and an unexpected return to relevance, it’s a welcome storyline after more than two decades of chaos and letdown under the previous ownership group.

Before it was sold in 2023, the Commanders were the definition of a toxic culture and?organizational dysfunction. The team faced allegations of workplace harassment and retaliation, leadership that failed to prioritize the well-being of employees and players, and a poor fan experience. Of course, this all led to one losing season after another, along with a sullied reputation.

But the team has undergone a lightning-speed cultural transformation that is a case study with key learnings for any organization. From day one, the team’s new ownership focused on more than wins and losses. Recognizing that sustainable success starts with a healthy organizational culture, General Manager Adam Peters and Head Coach Dan Quinn reportedly made culture a priority, with respect and accountability non-negotiable.

“The culture is what we do every day.?How we do our business, the way we compete, the way we meet, the way we communicate to one another. But the players have to be the ones to breathe it and live it. It’s one thing for the coach to say it, but if we’re just saying it and they’re not living it, that ain’t a culture.”? -- ?Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders Head Coach, The Washington Post, December 14, 2024

Quinn also fosters open communication and an egalitarian ethos by asking players to draw up their own code of team rules. Team meetings are no longer just about strategy, but also about trust and collaboration. And they invested in a workplace environment that promotes interaction, pride, and safety – from renovating spaces to foster collaboration and installing an expensive field replacement that is better for players.??

For other organizations looking to improve their culture, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the Commanders turnaround:

1. Lead by Example: Culture starts at the top. Leaders must embody the values they want to see in their organization. Hypocrisy erodes trust; consistency builds it.
2. Prioritize Respect: Create an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected. People perform better when they feel valued.
3. Communicate Transparently: Open communication fosters trust and reduces misunderstandings. Ensure employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.
4. Invest in Well-Being: A healthy workforce is a productive one. Support mental health, work-life balance, and professional development.
5. Hold Everyone Accountable: Accountability reinforces standards and ensures that no one is above the rules.

The Washington Commanders’ transformation is proof that even the most toxic environments can change with intentionality and leadership. The team’s unexpected performance on the field has mirrored the positive changes off the field, proving that culture is not just a buzzword but a competitive advantage.

Win or lose against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders in warp speed have built a foundational culture that certainly should give Washingtonians a competitive team to cheer on for years to come. And we’ll all be cheering for a Commanders win this weekend and Super Bowl appearance on February 9th!

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