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'Business, Sports, and Leadership' brings you in-depth conversations with accomplished athletes as we explore the correlation between sports and leadership in the context of business.

After watching the Solheim Cup this weekend, I want to share something about leadership. The Solheim Cup is a biennial tournament for professional women golfers contested by European and American teams . . .  twelve versus twelve. Go USA! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 A captain leads each team. It’s a funny thing in this event because the captains don’t typically play golf. And, professional golf isn’t necessarily a team sport. When you put all of that into perspective, you might ask what role does the captain play? Honestly, it’s critical and strategic, and it’s no different than being a business leader: 🔑  You start by building a strategy for winning – a vision-setting exercise. 🔑  Define the team composition that will give you the best chance to win – research and planning. 🔑  Pick the best team – recruiting. 🔑   Prepare the team for the competition – culture building. 🔑 When it’s time for the competition, pair the right players and determine when you play them – execution. 🔑 Celebrate the victory or lick your wounds – evaluation and recalibration All good leaders were also successful players. Get command of your team and take off. https://command31.com/

Love this post from Mark Eber about Leadership! Thanks Mark! Great perspective! "A captain leads each team. It’s a funny thing in this event because the captains don’t typically play golf. And, professional golf isn’t necessarily a team sport. When you put all of that into perspective, you might ask what role does the captain play? Honestly, it’s critical and strategic, and it’s no different than being a business leader:" Love his bullets below!!! #leadership #team #teamcaptain #teamwork #buildingwinningteams

As an athlete and a father, I know that school sports and business leadership have a lot in common, so it was great to read about these parallels in the article below. Presence, preparedness, and good conduct can save both the sports field and the boardroom from unnecessary chaos — a great lesson to keep in mind whether cheering from the sidelines or leading your own team at work! #sports #leadership #business

Honored I got the chance to write about our special guest, Kevin Colbert (retired General Manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers) who shared his insights on leadership at Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP’s Annual CPE Day this past month. Check out the article below and other great CPE day articles written by GYF colleagues!

The University of Michigan men’s football team won the National Championship this season under the direction of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. The University of South Carolina woman’s basketball team won the National Championship this season under the direction of head coach Dawn Staley. The University of Connecticut men’s basketball team won the National Championship this season — their second in as many years — under the direction of head coach Danny Hurley. All three leaders have different backgrounds, different mentors, different styles. All three need their players to want to be coached, even asking the parents or guardians for permission. As leaders, we made a promise and commitment to help those we lead improve, to reach their maxim level. And as we have learned through the college sports season, all championship teams share a commonality. They might look different, have different styles and taste yet their pathway towards being the best version of themselves comes from a leader who holds everyone accountable, works hard, demands mental toughness, chases excellence, not wins, and always putting the team first by creating a sense of belonging for each member of the squad. Great leaders don’t change their core tenants, they don’t react to public opinion, they follow the familiar and well-worn path of chasing greatness. Don’t believe us. Just ask Harbaugh, Staley, or Hurley.

#Leadership quote November 4th "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." — Michael Jordan Individual talent can bring success in the short term, but true greatness comes from working together and using collective intelligence. "Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision." — Muhammad Ali True champions are driven by their inner passion and vision, not just physical training. "Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It's being able to take it as well as dish it out. That's the only way you're going to get respect from the players." — Larry Bird Effective leadership in sports involves active participation, engaging others, and earning respect through actions. "Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." — Vince Lombardi Success is achieved when individuals commit to the collective goal, whether in sports, business, or society.

Leadership in Action: Dan Campbell's Impact on the Lions' Victory Over the Texans Last night’s win over the Houston Texans was more than just a game – it was a testament to the leadership and grit instilled by head coach Dan Campbell. Under Campbell’s guidance, the Detroit Lions have turned a corner, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering team-first mentality. Despite facing tough odds, including a challenging first half, Campbell's ability to keep the team focused, adjust the game plan, and maintain composure under pressure was on full display. Dan Campbell has become synonymous with toughness and leadership. His emphasis on accountability, trust in his players, and relentless pursuit of excellence are qualities that any leader can draw inspiration from. It’s not just about X’s and O’s; it’s about cultivating a culture where each player believes in themselves and their teammates – and where everyone gives 110%, no matter the circumstances. The Lions' win last night was the product of Campbell’s vision, and it’s a reminder that great leadership doesn’t just inspire teams to succeed; it transforms them into winners. Forbes has an excellent writeup on his leadership and what we can learn from his strategy and philosophies and apply it to the business world: https://lnkd.in/e-uNNEhM #DanCampbell #Leadership #DetroitLions #NFL #Teamwork #WinningMindset

I don’t often post about personal matters, but today, I’m making an exception. My son and his teammates have accomplished something special – something that’s only been achieved a handful of times in our town’s history. They’ve earned their spot in their league’s Super Bowl, where they are set to face a powerhouse team from Franklin Lakes, a program supported by former #NFL coaches and players. As the defensive coordinator, I couldn’t be prouder of these boys. Their teamwork, dedication, hard work, and grit have been nothing short of inspiring. Last night’s nail-biting victory, which came down to the final plays, showcased their heart and resilience under pressure. In both business and football, success isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about strategy, perseverance, and rising to the occasion when it matters most. These young men have proven that greatness doesn’t require a big city or a national spotlight – it requires the right mindset, preparation, and an unwavering refusal to quit. To my son and the rest of the team: You’ve already made us incredibly proud. Regardless of next week’s outcome, you’ve proven that you belong on the biggest stage. Time to finish strong! #ProudCoach #Teamwork #Leadership #Resilience #SuperBowlBound #NextGeneration New York Football Giants #FootballFamily National Football League (NFL) NFL Players Association #WinningMentality #HardWorkPaysOff #SmallTownPride

No matter how good we are at what we do, there is always going to be both room for improvement, and room for criticism. Many of you in my network will know how much I admire the character and leadership that Gareth Southgate has brought to his role as England Men's Football Manager. Within the context of the huge success he has had in this role, there are two areas that tend to be highlighted as weaknesses: tactical nous, and ruthlessness. It's therefore interesting to read so much of the press over the last 24 hours picking up on the tactical way he has picked his squad, and the ruthlessness he has shown in leaving out some key players. As Martin Glenn, the former FA Chief Executive has said about the Manager he appointed in 2016, Southgate captained every club team he played for in an era when football was far from a touchy-feely business - and you don't do that without a hard streak. Southgate is someone who has realised the importance of getting the culture right, and through that, performances will follow. And not just flash in the pan performances, but sustained performances. Think how well the team has performed, consistently, over a series of key tournaments. Southgate is also someone who has epitomised compassionate leadership. And as with so many leaders in today's world, he is grappling with the need to adapt to what some call the millennial view of leadership - for example no longer having a traditional leadership group of four or five senior players in the squad, saying he wants to do away with hierachy. I know from personal experience that Gareth is also kind (an underrated quality) and supportive. The day he agreed to write the Foreword to my book Staying the Distance will remain with me for ever (something he does not do lightly). I can't wait to see how the team does this Summer, and know that as ever, amidst the highs and lows, it will always be about the team, and experiences and lessons will stay with the whole squad for ever. And if you want to learn more about how to get the best out of yourself, and those you lead, over the long term, here is the link to buy Staying the Distance. https://lnkd.in/eNmQUa4m #Euros #StayingTheDistance #Performance