Strategic leadership

'Bear' Bryant never had to raise his voice to be heard

Danny Ford sat down to talk with me last week.
Danny coached Clemson Tigers football.
His 1981 players were national champions.

One question was: “Who most influenced you?”
Danny had played for 'Bear Bryant' at Alabama.
“Coach Bryant,” he said.

A lot of coaches yell and intimidate their players.
Not Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was a quiet man.
“You had to strain to hear him,” Coach Ford said.
“He made you better than you were.
“He could get more out of any individual.
“You always wanted his approval, to please him.”

Bryant looked relaxed on the sidelines.
He could afford that.

His players were well trained.
His assistants called the plays.
Bryant only offered guidance as needed.
His teams won 6 national and 13 SEC championships.

Three leadership questions for you:
1. Do you have to raise your voice to be heard?
2. Have you trained your people well?
3. At game time, are you relaxed?

Want more about strategic leadership?
Read “Lead People, Manage Things”.
Write me at Jerry@JerryBellune.com
The first 3 of you to respond get a free copy.

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