Winning Beyond the Field: Leadership Lessons from Youth Football

One of my proudest achievements was transforming a group of teenagers into a cohesive team that won two championships. My son and I love football, and when he wanted to play tackle football, we chose the Dick Conley Memorial Football League (DCMFL) because it aligned with our values. While competition and winning were important, we prioritized the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship, teamwork, and academics. I was an assistant coach on most of his teams and eventually became head coach after he aged out.

As head coach, I built a coaching staff and recruited a team mom who shared my vision. We introduced an empathetic coaching style and a Continuous Improvement methodology, focusing on halftime adjustments and post-game reviews that were easy for the kids to understand. We worked with parents to use football to help children with academic and behavioral challenges.

My vision incorporated DCMFL's core values and extended to teaching players life lessons, community service, and teamwork. This approach contrasted with other coaches who prioritized winning at all costs, often resorting to unethical practices. Though not the biggest or most athletic, our team excelled because they understood football fundamentals, their assignments, and the importance of discipline and teamwork. They held each other accountable and embraced their roles as community role models.

Each game was an opportunity for growth, teaching football strategies and life lessons. This unity and commitment allowed us to achieve more than the sum of our parts, culminating in a championship season. Our success was replicated with our All-Star team, winning the Orange Bowl Rec League Championship in 2012.

Winning these championships "the right way" is a source of great pride, but I cherish these experiences' lasting impact on our players and coaches. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons as an executive leader:

1. The Impossible Is Possible When Broken Down

Break down seemingly impossible tasks into manageable steps. Celebrate every step of the journey—wins, losses, and the process itself.

2. Align Mission and Vision

When team members understand and align with the larger goal, their daily actions become more purposeful and impactful.

3. There's No "I" in Team, but There Is an "M" and an "E"

A team’s success is built on individual contributions. As a leader, understanding each member’s strengths and limitations and fostering their leadership at the individual level is crucial.

4. Build a Good Leadership Team and Allow Them to Lead

Recognize when you lack the energy to lead. Have a trusted team ready to step up and take the lead when necessary.

5. A Leader's Words and Actions Matter

A leader's behavior sets the tone for the team, influencing their morale and performance.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Bet on Unproven Talent

Fresh perspectives and untapped potential can bring unexpected contributions to the team.

Coaching youth sports has reinforced my belief that leadership is about understanding and nurturing each team member's unique strengths, fostering a supportive environment, and leading by example. These principles have guided me both on the field and in my professional career, helping me build successful, cohesive teams dedicated to achieving shared goals.