Nick Saban said, "My toughest job? Being a leader. Being a leader is about vision, about organization, about communication, about being focused on an organization's needs, and about anticipating problems." Being a leader is tough. It takes action and courage. 8 Nick Saban Principles on Being a Great Leader: 1. Great leaders stand up when adversity rises - It's during tough times when leaders need to provide strength and guidance. True leaders stand, give support, and take ownership during tough times. This is when leaders are looked to lead because that is when you are most needed. "Times of adversity are when leaders are needed most." - Nick Saban 2. Great leaders allow the team to take ownership - It isn't about what you can accomplish, but asking what can we accomplish together. Give people ownership and responsibility. Let people know that this is also their team, and they're responsible. "Great leaders know how to follow." - Nick Saban 3. Great leaders embrace future leaders - Great leaders develop more leaders. They focus on nurturing talent, empowering others, and creating a culture of continuous learning. It means believing in people and their potential. "I strongly believe that one of my responsibilities as head coach is to help those on my staff fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams." - Nick Saban 4. Great leaders lead the orchestra, but let them play - This is the art of letting go as a leader. You have to have faith and trust in your team. Empower them, love them, and care for them. You have to be smart, tough, and use good judgment. It should be easy to serve them and want to see them at their best. "At home, as a parent, lead your children but allow them the room to grow." - Nick Saban 5. Great leaders make tough decisions - Great leaders don't try to please everyone. They know it isn't about popularity, but about responsibility. It means making tough choices and decisions. Leadership is being willing to do what is right for the team even if it doesn't make you liked. "Make the tough decisions by doing what is best for your organization - but always be fair and honest with those involved." - Nick Saban 6. Great leaders accept responsibility - It always starts with you. When you accept responsibility, you set a standard for yourself. People notice when you honor your commitments and take ownership of your performance. This self-accountability sets a positive example for others and builds credibility. "Whatever happens on your watch, take the fall. The worst thing a leader can do is pass the buck." - Nick Saban 7. Great leaders must insist on excellence - Everything you do should be done at the highest possible level. Your ability to be great and focus on working at the process will create results. Your commitment to excellence will set an example for everyone else and inspire others. "If the leader doesn't demand it, then certainly everyone else won't expect it." - Nick Saban 8. Great leaders don't have all the answers, but they find them - People respond to a positive, constructive, and directed environment. It is easy to be negative, but hard to stay positive. Your ability to find answers during tough situations sets an example for others. "The best leaders know they don't have all the answers, but they know where to find them." - Nick Saban - - - Follow @coachajkings for more posts like this! The quotes and context of the post is sourced from Nick Saban's Book: How Good Do You Want to Be?