There are so many great life lessons we can learn from sports, and the Detroit Lions represent one of those stories this football season. As a lifelong fan, I'm used to disappointment, but this weekend, Detroit is in the conference championship!
Looking back three years ago when the Detroit Lions hired head coach Dan Campbell, his press conference about biting kneecaps made many in the sports media dismiss him as a meathead. But after last year's 9-8 season and the HBO series "Hard Knocks," we learned that Dan Campbell is not only tough and gritty, but he's also incredibly smart and cerebral. He has turned the team into an image of him. They have a clear identity.
Watching Dan Campbell, I learned a great lesson that I have to relearn from time to time: first impressions are often wrong. We have to keep an open mind and give people time to show us who they really are. The front office of the Lions did their homework and found the right guy in Dan Campbell, along with an outstanding general manager in Brad Holmes. Together, they've built a culture of all grit, where everyone is buying in and embracing the mentality.
This is not just about sports, but rather a fantastic case study in developing the right organizational culture. The Lions have shown that success comes from finding the right people, not necessarily the most talented ones. As an example, sports media personalities, questioned the Lions grabbing Jamyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta in the first round of last year’s draft. They thought they were reaching. In the case of Gibbs, they didn’t even think he was the best running back. Fast forward to today, both of these guys are impact players. It is clear that the Lions have become a first rate organization. From ownership to the last player on the depth chart, everyone is in full alignment, and everyone in the organization is playing a role in this success.
As a football fan, I'm excited for what's to come, and as a lifelong Lions fan, I'm proud to see the team succeed. Go Lions! #detroitlions #allgrit
Senior VP - Revenue Strategy & Operations at LEARFIELD
2moWay to go Ben! Thrilled to see more folks understanding the incredible value and thought leadership you bring day in and day out!