Exceptional leadership is never an accident. It is the result of a precise skill set executed through a disciplined plan.
Louisville has benefited from elite leaders like Jerry Abramson, Dr. Kevin Cosby, Russ Cox at Norton Healthcare and Jim Host. Tom Jurich left a legacy of leadership in Louisville as did Junior Bridgeman, Kent Taylor, John Schnatter, David Jones and Barry Bingham.
While the world sees the final results of a great leader, it's difficult to see how and why they did what they did. For young leaders, the challenge is gaining access to a mentor who will actually open the playbook and reveal the mechanics of their success.
Luckily, along comes a guy like Curt Cignetti of the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers! His leadership is quite public, and if someone wants a masterclass on leadership, his lessons are right there for the taking.
Here are just five things he did that all great leaders do.
First, he got rid of a culture of losing and replaced it with an expectation of excellence.
Second, he made them believe winning was possible. A reporter asked him before the game at Penn State "What do you say to the fact that Indiana has never won here at Beaver Stadium?" His answer was so simple and perfect: "This team has never played here."
Third, he built a foundation of accountability, requiring every player to be answerable to every teammate.
Fourth, he communicated with clarity and transparency so there was no confusion about what is expected or how success is measured.
Fifth, he elevated work ethics. Cignetti preached that "You can't out-talent hard work." He proved that by winning it all with no five-star players.
Rather than just celebrate the National Championship, let's take an opportunity to learn about leadership from Curt Cignetti. He wins. Google him.
I'm Bill Lamb, and that's my Point of View.
