The Power of "Do You Believe": Leadership Lessons

Much of my leadership work is grounded in the idea that every W2 employee has a hint of the 1099 spirit. This means that even salaried employees desire some control over their destiny and possess an entrepreneurial streak. If we lead effectively and ignite that 1099 spirit, imagine the transformation in culture and individual potential! Central to this idea is that every leader must believe in the vision wholeheartedly. As an entrepreneur, no one should be more passionate about your business than you. Your enthusiasm should be so infectious that others yearn for the same level of commitment. Coach Prime's recent success exemplifies this power. His unwavering belief was so profound that it filled the belief reservoir of everyone around him until they fully embraced the vision. Whether in business or sports, leadership is the linchpin of success, as recent events in college football have vividly demonstrated.

Last season, the University of Colorado football team had a disheartening record of 1-11. Fast forward to this season, and they've already upset the #17 ranked TCU team. So, what changed? The answer lies in leadership.

Enter Deion Sanders, popularly known as "Coach Prime". Hired just a few months ago, his influence has already begun to reshape the team's trajectory. But how did he manage to turn around a losing culture so quickly?

Five Key Leadership Moves by Coach Prime:

1. Visionary Leadership: Coach Prime established a clear vision for the team. As the old saying goes, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." A leader's vision acts as a compass, guiding the team towards success.
2. Building a Strong Core: He didn't go at it alone. Coach Prime surrounded himself with seasoned coaches and identified players who embodied the right values and behaviors. This core leadership team became the backbone of the transformation.
3. Instilling Confidence: More than just slogans and visual cues, Coach Prime invested personal time in his players. He instilled a collective and individual sense of confidence, making them believe in their potential.
4. Strengthening the Team: Recognizing that "practice makes permanent," he identified areas of improvement for each player and position. By focusing on these areas, he ensured the overall team's growth.
5. Inspiration and Motivation: Perhaps the most powerful tool in his arsenal was belief. Through his speeches and interactions, he made it abundantly clear: he believed in his team. Even when they might have doubted themselves, his belief was unwavering. He corrected when necessary, praised generously, and always put his team first.

In essence, the power of "Do You Believe" is monumental. As leaders, it's our responsibility to believe in our team's potential, even when they might not see it themselves. When a leader truly believes, it creates a ripple effect, inspiring and motivating everyone in their path. So, the next time you're leading a team, ask yourself, "Do I believe?" Because if you do, they will too. I sure do for my team.