How important is team culture in the NFL?

What makes a good team culture?

The NFL has more parity than any other major sports league.  Any team can beat anyone on any given Sunday.  In the #CJJblog this week, I contend that culture is the main contributor to team success in the National Football League.  Here are some characteristics of a good culture and my predictions (good and bad) of teams that will be affected by it this season.  Enjoy.

  • Main characters.  Culture starts with the Head Coach and Quarterback.  How do they contribute to (or hinder) the culture?  Do they lead by example?
  • Accountability.  Who takes accountability for the team’s success and failures?  When they lose, is there blame being thrown around the locker room?  Accountability flows through the coaches and quarterback first.
  • People.  What type of team do they have?  Are they competent and have good character?  Can we count on them?
  • Buy-in.  The whole organization must have the We > Me attitude.  The team mission must be followed by all and alignment throughout the organization.
  • Clarity.  Are the expectations clear?  What about the team standards each day?
  • Analysis.  Does the Head Coach delegate well and surround themselves with staff who compliment each other?  What are their strengths and weaknesses?  Are they aware of them?
  • Response.  Win or lose, how does the team respond?  Overreactions are not a recipe for success in the NFL.  The best example of being even-keeled in this league (and maybe in sports) is Chiefs Head Coach, Andy Reid.
  • Predictions.  Based on culture, who will finish above (and below) .500 winning percentage this season?
    • Above .500: Kansas City, Los Angeles Chargers, Vikings, Texans, Bills, and Ravens
    • Below .500: New York Jets, Eagles, Cowboys, Jaguars, and Browns

Did You Know?  Coach Jim Johnson recently signed a deal with the Kansas School Administrators in Wichita, KS and will be speaking and delivering Leadership breakout sessions at their upcoming events.

Life Tip #14: Great leaders continue to grow as leaders by being consistent with a Personal Growth Plan

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