Leadership isn’t about wins and losses. Leadership is about people.

“Leadership Beyond the Scoreboard: People, Learning, and Development”

As we approach the end of the NFL’s regular season, the anticipation and anxiety within the league intensify, especially as we edge closer to the notorious “Black Monday.” This day, following the season’s conclusion, has become a symbol of reckoning for team leadership. It’s known for its harsh reality of firings and dismissals, where head coaches, and sometimes other high-level staff, face the consequences of their team’s performance over the season. “Black Monday” is a reminder of the high stakes and often ruthless nature of professional sports, where results on the field can lead to dramatic changes off the field.

This practice, while entrenched in the fabric of the NFL, underscores a larger issue in the pursuit of leadership excellence. The swift and often unforgiving nature of “Black Monday” decisions can overlook the true essence of what makes a good leader. Effective leadership isn’t just about immediate results or the ability to deliver a winning season; it’s a long-term commitment to the growth and development of people. The focus on quick fixes and short-term successes often misses the mark on nurturing the qualities that bring sustained progress and resilience. Good leaders build teams not just for a season but for an enduring legacy of improvement and adaptability. They understand that leadership isn’t merely about tallying wins and losses. It’s fundamentally about people – their growth, their development, and their journey.

In leadership, grand movements often capture our attention. These are the moments that feel monumental, creating emotions for us and those we lead. However, equally important, though less conspicuous, are the incremental steps, which may sometimes feel like painstaking losses. These small movements are where the real essence of leadership often lies.

It’s crucial for leaders to realize that outcomes are not solely in our hands. To think otherwise is not just foolish; it’s arrogant. Our role as leaders is to set the conditions and support our people. We develop, train, and prepare those we lead, aiming for a desired outcome. But ultimately, the outcome rests in the hands of those we lead, and even then, they don’t have complete control – the world, much like an enemy in combat, gets a vote.

In leadership, both the leader and the led can control one set of things: their own actions, responses, and what they learn from results. As leaders, we set conditions for success, but it’s up to those we lead to act upon these conditions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that there’s no definitive winning or losing in this process. The only true loss occurs if we fail to control our actions, fail to respond appropriately or fail to learn from our experiences. Every other outcome should be viewed as a win.

Human development doesn’t have a scoreboard. We win, and then eventually, we cease to be. As long as we exist, we are in a state of winning. This perspective is vital in understanding the true nature of leadership. It’s not about the immediate results but the continuous journey of growth and development.

Leadership is a dynamic process of learning and adapting. It involves guiding those we lead through the maze of challenges and uncertainties, teaching them to adapt, respond, and grow from every experience. It’s about instilling a mindset that sees every outcome – whether it’s perceived as success or failure – as an opportunity for development.

In the end, the most significant measure of leadership is not found in the quantifiable results of today but in the readiness and resilience of the people we lead for the challenges of tomorrow. Our legacy as leaders is defined by how well we prepare our teams for the complexities of the world, equipping them not just with strategies and tactics but with the mindset to learn, adapt, and overcome.

As we navigate our leadership journey, let’s remember that our true impact lies in the growth and development of the people we lead. Let’s focus on setting the right conditions, providing unwavering support, and fostering an environment where learning is continuous and development is constant. After all, in the grand scheme of things, as long as we are learning and growing, we are winning.

So, to the team owners, pundits, and dedicated fans, it’s crucial to remember that the path to enduring success in the NFL, or in any field, isn’t paved with hasty decisions or quick dismissals. While the pressure to win is undeniable, we must recognize that true leadership excellence takes time to cultivate. It involves commitment, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by each team.

Consistently changing leadership in pursuit of immediate success often disrupts the continuity and growth necessary for long-term achievement. Let’s advocate for a more measured approach, one that values the development of strong, resilient leaders capable of guiding their teams through not just a successful season but through a legacy of triumphs and learning experiences. By giving leaders time to instill their vision and values, we pave the way for more sustainable and meaningful victories in the long run.

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J.C. served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer for 20 years, primarily in special operations and special missions units with more than 11 combat tours. Since retiring from the military, JC has brought his innovative and unconventional thoughts on education, leadership and resiliency into the private sector, consulting with Fortune 500 companies, the NFL, NBA, NCAA and professional sports teams including the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets.

He holds a Masters Degree from the Naval War College and was a Senior Fellow in the Service Chief’s Fellowship at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

He has earned 3 Bronze Stars, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Commendation Medal, and  the Order of Saint Maurice. He is a Liberty Fellow, a part of The Aspen Institute and the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.