What can the National Football League teach us about the power of authentic leadership?

In a world where facades and pretenses often reign supreme, authenticity stands out like a beacon of light in the darkness. Whether you’re navigating the boardroom or collaborating with colleagues, authenticity is the secret sauce that fosters trust, cultivates connections, and fuels success. I was recently catching up on some sports news and noticed a great example of authentic leadership. As Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrated in a candid address at the NFL owners’ meetings, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer.

In his address, Lurie offered valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and the power of authenticity in driving organizational success. A topic I’m passionate about and wrote about in a book. Let’s unpack some of the key takeaways from his speech and explore how they highlight the importance of authenticity in the workplace.

1. Embrace Vulnerability

Lurie’s willingness to address challenges and vulnerabilities head-on is a powerful reminder that authenticity isn’t about projecting an image of perfection; it’s about being real. In the workplace, leaders who openly acknowledge their shortcomings, mistakes, and fears create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. Embracing vulnerability fosters trust, encourages open communication, and cultivates a culture of authenticity.

2. Lead with Transparency

Transparency isn’t just corporate lingo; it’s a foundation of authentic leadership. Lurie’s willingness to share insights into the Eagles’ decision-making process demonstrates the power of transparency in building trust and credibility. In the workplace, leaders who are transparent about their motives, decisions, and challenges inspire confidence and loyalty among their teams. By keeping employees informed and involved, transparent leaders empower others to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.

3. Foster Genuine Connections

At the heart of authenticity lies genuine human connection. Lurie’s emphasis on building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within the Eagles organization underscores the importance of connection in driving collaboration and teamwork. In the workplace, authentic leaders prioritize building meaningful relationships with their teams, colleagues, and stakeholders. By showing empathy, respect, and appreciation for others, they create a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

4. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

Authenticity isn’t just about being true to oneself; it’s about embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of others. Lurie’s commitment to diversity and inclusion within the Eagles organization highlights the transformative power of authenticity in driving positive change. In the workplace, authentic leaders champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that celebrate the richness of human diversity and promote a culture of belonging for all. By valuing and respecting differences, they create an environment where everyone can feel safe, thrive, and contribute their best work.

5. Lead by Example

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Lurie’s address is the importance of leading by example. Like I often tell my clients, authentic leaders don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Your team is watching and listening. Lurie’s actions speak volumes about his commitment to authenticity, transparency, and integrity in leadership. In the workplace, authentic leaders lead by example, embodying the values and principles they espouse. They demonstrate values, honesty, integrity, and accountability in their words and actions, inspiring others to do the same.

6. Embrace Change and Adaptability

Authenticity isn’t about clinging to the status quo; it’s about embracing change and adaptability. As a change and transformation specialist as well as a coach, I really appreciated what Lurie had to say. His acknowledgment of the challenges facing the NFL and his willingness to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances reflect the resilience of authentic leadership. In the workplace, authentic leaders embrace change as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and transformation. They encourage agility, flexibility, and creativity among their teams, empowering them to navigate uncertainty with confidence and resilience.

7. Stay True to Your Values

At its core, authenticity is about staying true to your values, even in the face of adversity. I often work with my coaching clients on identifying their values and looking for alignment in the workplace. Lurie’s unwavering commitment to his principles and beliefs serves as a powerful example of integrity and authenticity in leadership. In the workplace, authentic leaders stay true to their values, even when it’s not easy or convenient. They make decisions based on ethical considerations, guided by a sense of purpose and integrity that inspires trust and respect from others.

In conclusion, Jeffrey Lurie’s address at the NFL owners’ meetings offers valuable lessons in the power of authenticity in leadership and the workplace. By embracing vulnerability, leading with transparency, fostering genuine connections, celebrating diversity and inclusion, leading by example, embracing change and adaptability, and staying true to their values, authentic leaders can create environments where individuals thrive, teams excel, and organizations succeed. As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let us remember the transformative power of authenticity in driving positive change and shaping a brighter future for all.

Now…I look forward to seeing how this translates into supporting a winning season for my hometown team! 🦅

Want to explore how to access your authenticity and develop your authentic leadership style? I’m happy to see if my services can support you, your team, and your organization to grow. Schedule a time and let’s talk!

About Scott Span, MSOD, CSM, ACC: is CEO at Tolero Solutions. As a people strategist, leadership coach, and change and transformation specialist, his work is focused on people. Through his consulting and training work, he supports clients to survive and thrive through change and transition and create people-focused cultures and a great employee experience. Through his coaching work, he supports people willing to dig deeper to identify and overcome what’s holding them back, change behaviors, accelerate performance, and achieve their goals.

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The Power of Authentic Leadership in the Workplace and the NFL