EP184: Playbook for Leaders: Leadership Magic from an NFL Coach
LEADERSHIP IS HUMAN
Being intentional is worth it!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
One of my favorite things to do on this podcast is share the real-time wisdom I gather from people I admire—and this week, it’s from none other than Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.
At a recent leadership event, O’Connell spoke to a packed room of leaders and left me (and many others) with goosebumps. As someone who’s followed his career and admired his leadership style, hearing him speak affirmed so much of what I believe about impactful leadership today.
The Two Pillars: Authenticity and Empathy
Coach O’Connell emphasized that leadership today is different than it was even a decade ago. The old-school, industrial-era leadership models don’t always translate in a fast-moving, human-centered world. What does? Two powerful pillars: authenticity and empathy.
These aren’t “soft” skills—they’re essential human ones.
Pillar One: Authenticity
O’Connell described authenticity as “leadership in its purest form.” It’s about being who you truly are—not putting on a mask to be what you think others expect.
Yes, we all grow and evolve. That’s still authentic. But showing up in a way that’s fake or driven by fear or ego? That’s unsustainable. Especially in challenging times, pretending becomes impossible.
People can feel inauthenticity. And when we lead from that place, it’s hard to build trust or have real impact.
Pillar Two: Empathy
The second pillar he highlighted was empathy—the ability to truly understand how someone else thinks, feels, and will receive a message. This includes their mindset, emotions, and lived experiences.
Too often, feelings are dismissed in the workplace. But as O’Connell reminded us: humans have emotions. And understanding that is not a weakness—it’s a leadership advantage.
Empathy means knowing the humans behind the job titles. It means understanding what matters to them so you can lead, coach, and develop them effectively.
Servant Leadership—And the Challenge It Brings
O’Connell identifies as a servant leader, but he doesn’t romanticize it. He acknowledges that it’s hard. It requires checking your ego, grounding in your “why,” and committing to behaviors that uplift others.
He shared this beautiful question that guides his leadership: “How will I uplift and encourage others to become the best version of themselves?”
That’s servant leadership in action. And while it’s deeply fulfilling, it’s also exhausting at times. It takes intention. It takes work.
But as he said—“It’s worth it.”
Culture and Results: It’s Not Either/Or
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about going soft. O’Connell emphasized that holding people accountable, having tough conversations, and focusing on results are part of the deal.
But creating a culture where people matter and belong? That’s not fluff. That’s the foundation. And when the hard times come—and they always do—it’s that culture that makes the difference.
Live the Standards
One final takeaway: O’Connell believes that championships aren’t won by talent alone—they’re won by those who live the standards.
In leadership, that means living your values, mission, and culture day in and day out. Even when no one’s watching.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re leading a football team, a department, or your own solo business—the kind of leader you are matters. And people are paying attention.
Because the impact you make? It’s real. And it ripples further than you think.
What Do You Think?
Are you leading with authenticity? Are you practicing empathy?
Links
Episode 159: Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck with Eric Harkins
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