PJ Fleck, the head football coach at the University of Minnesota, has articulated a distinctive approach to leadership within his program. According to Fleck, the effectiveness of leadership in football teams evolves based on their performance and readiness. On teams that struggle, leadership often falls to the coaches, who must compensate for the lack of direction among players. In contrast, teams that perform at an average level see coaches taking on the predominant leadership roles. However, Fleck emphasizes that for a team to reach elite status, leadership must be deeply ingrained in the players themselves.
When Fleck first arrived at Minnesota, he encountered a team that lacked the internal leadership required for elite success. The players were not yet prepared to take charge or set high standards for themselves and their peers. In this scenario, Fleck needed to step in and take on a more prominent leadership role. His initial task was to establish a clear and effective standard for the team—a set of expectations and behaviors that would guide their actions and performance.
Establishing this standard involved defining what excellence looked like for the Minnesota football program. Fleck’s approach required him to articulate specific goals, values, and behaviors that would become the foundation of the team’s culture. This was not just about setting performance benchmarks but also about instilling a mindset and work ethic that would drive the team toward success.
Teaching the standard was the next critical step. Fleck had to ensure that each player not only understood the expectations but also embraced them. This process involved rigorous training, consistent communication, and reinforcement of the values and behaviors that constituted the standard. It required Fleck to model these behaviors himself and provide ongoing feedback to help players internalize the standards.
As time progressed, the players began to adapt to the standard set by Fleck. They started to understand what was expected of them and began to take ownership of the process. This transition from reliance on the coach to player-led leadership was essential for the team’s growth. The players learned to hold themselves accountable, which in turn led them to hold each other accountable.
The ultimate goal for Fleck was to create a self-sustaining leadership dynamic within the team. Once the players were fully aligned with the standard and took responsibility for upholding it, they began to exhibit the characteristics of elite teams. Leadership became a shared responsibility, with players stepping up to guide and motivate one another. This shift marked a significant milestone in the team’s development.
By fostering a culture where players lead themselves and each other, Fleck aimed to build a resilient and high-performing team. The essence of his leadership philosophy is captured in the mantra: “Define the standard. Teach the standard. Be the standard.” This approach emphasizes that successful leadership requires not only setting expectations but also actively guiding the team to internalize and live by those expectations.
In summary, PJ Fleck’s leadership strategy at Minnesota reflects a deep commitment to developing player-driven success. By defining, teaching, and embodying the standard, Fleck has worked to transform his team from relying on coaching-led leadership to fostering an environment where players take charge. This evolution is critical for achieving elite status and demonstrates the importance of player ownership in building a successful football program.
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