Deion Sanders, known affectionately as “Coach Prime” by his players, has taken the college football scene by storm in the past year. With his magnetic charisma, unwavering commitment to success, and a track record of building winning teams, Colorado University brought him on board to rescue their struggling football program, which had endured a dismal 1-11 season in 2022 and just one season with double-digit wins in the past 21 years. Right from the outset, Deion’s leadership style, marked by refreshing candor and an unconventional team-building approach, grabbed headlines. In his first meeting with the current players, he dropped a bombshell by urging them to “get ready to go ahead and jump in that transfer portal.” Over the following months, Deion orchestrated nothing short of a complete rebuild, bolstering his squad with 68 new scholarship players through the transfer portal. While initial skepticism prevailed in the college football world, many doubters are now swallowing their words, thanks to the Buffaloes’ impressive 2-0 start to the season.
As a college football fan, I’ve enjoyed watching how Coach Prime has captivated the country. As someone passionate about helping companies grow with exceptional talent, I couldn’t help but recognize the leadership insights on display.
Sanders’ remarkable turnaround of the Colorado University Football team provides several valuable lessons for corporate turnarounds, particularly in the realms of leadership, team building, and hiring:
1. Turnarounds require both charismatic vision and strategy.
Deion’s charismatic and inspirational leadership style played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the team’s spirit and performance. In the corporate world, leaders who can inspire and motivate their teams during challenging times are more likely to achieve success.
But charisma by itself isn’t enough. A well-defined strategy for how you will build your team is essential. When hiring a new executive leader at your company, it’s crucial to find someone who can evaluate your existing team’s skills, strengths, and weaknesses and align everyone around a compelling vision.
2. Leaders are adept in change management, even when it requires tough love.
Deion’s candid approach, even when delivering tough messages, created an environment of trust and open communication. In corporate settings, being honest about challenges and the need for change can foster greater buy-in from employees.
In most cases, a company won’t be looking to overhaul most of its staff. However, embracing change and leading by example are two essential components for transforming a corporation. When hiring a new leader, look for candidates who are comfortable with change and have a track record of successfully driving change initiatives. These leaders should be adaptable and willing to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular, to reposition the company for success.
3. Unconventional thinking can yield results.
One of the reasons Sanders’s approach has garnered so much attention is because it’s never been done at this level. Deion’s willingness to think outside the box and embrace unconventional strategies, such as recruiting heavily from the transfer portal, paid off.
Corporate leaders can also benefit from exploring innovative approaches to problem-solving. Hiring a new leader who can see problems from a different angle and develop new solutions is incredibly beneficial for turning around a corporation or transforming company culture. Seeing someone who is not afraid to think unconventionally can inspire other team members to do the same.
4. Hiring leaders with the right mindset (and continually investing in them) is essential.
Deion recognized that the football program’s success was significantly dependent on the players who stepped on the field each week. But talent alone isn’t enough to win games. Coach Prime recruited players who love playing football. The addition of 68 new scholarship players through the transfer portal demonstrates the importance of investing in talent acquisition.
In the corporate world, hiring the right people with the skills and mindset to drive change is critical for a successful turnaround. Focus on hiring individuals who have the right skills and align with the company’s culture and values. At the same time, continuing to invest in senior leaders you hire is important for a corporate turnaround. This may involve training, mentoring, or coaching that helps them navigate your company’s unique challenges and obstacles.
From the Gridiron to the Boardroom
The corporate world is full of turnaround stories — from noteworthy brands like Apple, Starbucks, and GM, as well as small and mid-size companies. Each of these stories highlights the importance of finding a leader who knows how to build a team and embrace unconventional thinking.
While the Colorado football program has completely transformed in nine months, it’s important to remember that corporate turnarounds take time, patience, and persistence.
Success in the corporate world, just like in the world of sports, often requires a marathon mindset rather than a sprint. Deion Sanders’ remarkable journey at CU serves as a reminder that consistent effort, adaptability, and a strong team can ultimately lead to long-lasting success in any field.
By Kent Wilson