Brian Kelly, LSU Football Head Coach, believes that being liked is not the primary goal of leadership. He suggests that if popularity is what you’re after, selling ice cream might be a better fit.
For Kelly, leadership is about fostering excellence within his program both on the field and behind the scenes. With over 30 years of coaching experience, he understands that leadership extends beyond game strategies; it involves being a high-performing CEO who influences every aspect of his organization to ensure overall success and growth.
Kelly’s focus extends beyond just the playbook; he is deeply invested in sports science, player development, and relationship-building. “My best path to success is helping players become the best version of themselves,” Kelly explains. Much like an effective CEO, he knows that empowering those around him is crucial. He acknowledges that with experience, he has shifted from micromanaging to guiding his staff and players towards collective advancement.
Kelly has encountered significant scrutiny throughout his career, from his departure from Cincinnati and Notre Dame to his intense on-field demeanor and a memorable viral moment during his initial week at LSU. Despite this, he maintains that focusing on what he can control—developing a successful football program—is paramount. “You’ll never really get a chance to explain yourself, so don’t worry about it,” he advises. Kelly believes that true leadership involves remaining committed to long-term objectives and providing those in his charge with the resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.
Transitioning between prestigious programs like Notre Dame and LSU required difficult decisions. As a former player of Coach Kelly, I was disappointed by his departure from Notre Dame, especially given the success he had there and the potential for a National Championship. However, Kelly emphasized that his move was driven not by dissatisfaction but by a sense of timing and a desire for a new challenge. After over a decade at Notre Dame, where he became the winningest Head Coach, he decided it was time for a change. According to Kelly, leaders must consider not only their own aspirations but also the broader context of their organization before making significant decisions.
The takeaway is clear: leadership is not about seeking popularity. It involves maintaining a curiosity to continuously improve and achieve success for the organization. This approach has led to Brian Kelly’s sustained success, including seven consecutive 10-win seasons.
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