I have taken a great deal of time to read and it has taken my leadership to a different level. One of the books I am reading is “Forged in Steel: The Seven Time-Tested Leadership Principles Practiced by the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Before you all roll your eyes about my love of the Steelers, understand why I love this team. I lost my father to a heart attack when I was 18 years old. My dad loved the Steelers and passed that love on to me. I have watched this team since the early 1970’s and what the team represents, to me, is a culture of leadership. When I joined Parisi Speed School, a culture of leadership was immediately apparent as well.
Are leaders always perfect? Not at all, but nonetheless, these leadership principles that are time tested are culturally imperative during this situation.
7 Principles of Leadership
Inspiring Standards
Do we articulate and live consistently the standards of competence and character? Are we clear about our mission and living our values?
It starts at the top and those values are infused into the rest of the organization.
Trust is the most important aspect of our leadership during the current world crisis. You do not have to have a dynamic personality, but do you lead with trust.
Trust is not built on anything other than authentic behavior.
During this time, a great many in our industry are “cutting corners” or have been compromising values. Not at Parisi Speed School, as we must follow doing things the right way, all the time, every time.
Contagious Humility
Humility is leading with authentic self-confidence. We have to identify with who we are, not what we do!
If we lead with humility, then all around us we will see people operating with more character.
Servant Leadership
I believe this is so key to why Parisi is so successful. Servant leadership is about putting people first so they are in a position to succeed.
Our Parisi Coaches, Program Directors and Owners are essential workers! They breed confidence and right now, during this, confidence is vitally important.
I am overjoyed to see how hard Parisi Nation is working to stay connected with their athletes, when they could have easily hid behind technology and the new remote training practices. Hand follows the heart. You cannot take someone’s hand without reaching out.
Strategic Team Building
We will come out of this current situation, but are we being strategic with our teams?
Parisi has been building a family – not just a company – for nearly 30 years.
Are you building a family or just a company?
Do we strive to be better every day, or settle for mediocrity in our family?
Championship teams do not settle for mediocrity!
Passionate Execution
Passion for our mission makes us do more than required! Passion is contagious
Continuous Improvement
You become great when you commit to the process, not the end game.
Chuck Noll said: “Champions are champions, not because they do anything extraordinary, but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else.”
Mental Toughness
The setback is part of the comeback!
About the Author: Eric Mitchell
Master Performance Coach
As a Parisi Speed School franchise owner, Eric brings unique experience to the corporate team. He purchased the franchise in 2006 to continue to develop the total athlete concept.
Eric began his coaching career in 1990 with a high school track program, and spent the following 16 years coaching all levels of of athletes from elementary school to the National Football League. He grew up in Havertown, Pa., and attended Juniata College where he was a four-year letter winner in multiple sports.
A Day In The Life Of A College Athlete