IO Psych Perspective: Chicago Bears on HBO's Hard Knocks - Episode 1 Review

Have you watched the Chicago Bears on HBO Max's Hard Knocks TV Show yet?

I was expecting to have my Bears' football itch thoroughly scratched... To my surprise, I was instead left with thoughts on #TransformationalLeadership, #TalentDevelopment, and #WinningCulture specifically within a sports organization.

Spoiler Alert If you haven't watched and don't want to ruin the surprise, don't read on...

In a major part of Episode 1, Nick Saban, you know, THE NICK SABAN (#RollTide), was shown discussing the reasons so many NFL Quarterbacks fail in what appeared to be a coaching session with the #ChicagoBears' head coach, Matt Eberflus. It should be noted that Eberflus played for Saban as a linebacker in Toledo in 1990. It should also be noted that every coach needs coaching. With many stating that Eberflus is on the hot seat this year, he's obviously been working within his network to elevate his coaching game. In the scene, Saban is shown articulating talent development expectations and transformational leadership while Eberflus is taking copious amounts of notes.

Saban says part of the reason so many quarterbacks fail is because of the expectations placed on them. Often, they're unrealistic.

He goes on to discuss the difference between #transactionalleadership and transformational leadership.

"You can’t be a transactional leader. This is where a lot of athletes are. It’s all result based. If the play works, it’s great. If it doesn’t work, it’s terrible. Well, that ain’t really how it is. Being a transformational leader is you’re trying to serve other people. You are trying to hep them for their benefit. You have a vision for what you want to accomplish and what your view of the offense should be and you’re going to try to inspire the people to help you do that. You got to be somebody that somebody can emulate.”

And any IO Psychologists watching collectively said, "AMEN."

Regarding talent development, Eberflus articulated that he's got a three year talent development plan for the Chicago Bears' #1 draft pick, QB Caleb Williams. He says there's a three year process. Obviously, Williams is in year 1 and has a lot of expectations for himself. But, Eberflus said it is likely going to take Williams to year 3 to reach full #NFL potential.

Setting realistic expectations is part of development. Peyton Manning threw 22 interceptions in his first NFL season and everyone knows where he ended up; one of the best to ever play the position. How? Because of his commitment to continuous development.

In a minor, but excellent, portion of Episode 1, Eberflus is seen giving a speech about the often misunderstood thought on winning. He says, "Winning doesn't make you a winner. Losing doesn't make you a loser. Winning habits make you a winner. about winning a game. Losing isn't about losing a game." He goes on to say that you need to set a goal for yourself and then aim to have championship habits like other greats who have played that position.

I mention this because too often in business, leaders neglect their habits and focus only on the results. If you're setting and following winning habits, you'll always be in the right position for the opportunity that's ahead of you.