VERMEIL ON LEADERSHIP: Leadership

Dick Vermeil is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. He was a head coach for fifteen years. In those years he coached the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs.

The following was written about him. “Vermeil took on the Eagles headfirst. He grinded them and molded them into a Super Bowl contender for four years, then went on to resurrect the St. Louis Rams into Super Bowl champions and the Kansas City Chiefs into contenders.”

Vermeil had the knack for turning football teams around. What was his hallmark method of doing this? He won the hearts of the players he coached. He said, "The number one concept is to make sure people know you care. If you want to win over a person, first you have to win over their heart.”

Vermeil was an emotional individual. He did not see it as “unmanly” to cry. He was transparent with how he felt about his players. He loved them. They loved him in return.

Winning the hearts of the players was foundational to his coaching effectiveness. In addition he had other principles that guided his leadership.

Coach AJ on Mental Fitness shared on ‘X’ seven Vermeil Principles for Leaders.

Make sure people know you care about them: People won't fully give their best unless they believe you care about them.

Be a good example: You set the standard as a leader and you are the example that people look to model.

Create an atmosphere where people enjoy working: Make it a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection.

Define, delegate, then lead: You must have a clear plan in place for where you want your team to go.

Bring emotional and physical energy every day: You set the tone every day with the energy and enthusiasm that you bring.

Build relationships: You have to spend time connecting and building relationships with everyone.

Establish credibility by being sincere, believable, and trustworthy: You have to be a person of character. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance.

Leadership is first and foremost about relationships. A relational leader makes a difference in whatever organization they lead.