True Leadership.... Transforming Hearts & Minds, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the finest leaders I've ever coached, Donald Smith II at the University of Kentucky with my son Trosper
UK Spring Practice, Tuesday morning, 4/3/18

April 4, 2018 will mark 50 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in Memphis, Tennessee.  When I first read Dr. King's book, Why We Can't Wait, I viewed it as a Civil Rights Movement textbook. After reading it several times, using his book to teach my history classes,  and as the years passed for me as a head football coach, I realized the same book was also a tremendous LEADERSHIP textbook.

Dr. King did not get America in a headlock and make it change. He did not use force or violence. He knew the only way to bring about lasting change was to change the hearts and minds of Americans. His nonviolent movement transformed the way many Americans thought and it changed what was in their heart.

I have learned the hard way over the years as a leader, the short cut fix to change things, to force your way on others, is not real leadership. As soon as no one is looking, everyone goes back to their old ways. To change a football program and football team, you must change how they think and what is in their heart.

Of course, there is accountability in building a football program. But, if the players and coaches don't begin to buy into the culture and program, no amount of force is going to make a football program successful.

Unfortunately, not everyone leads like Dr. King did. There is certainly a leadership style, still alive in the 21st century, that is built around bullying, entitlement, and arrogance.  I've seen those guys come... and go. I hope they keep moving on. Their methods have results as well. In the short term, they may get what they want. But, I would argue, the long term outcomes of this leadership style are resistance, anger, animosity, and a determination of those they oppose to ultimately remove the leader.  Everyone has consequences for their actions. Everyone. No one is exempt.

Teachers & Professors.... if you want America to be a better place in in the 21st century, have your students read Why We Can't Wait.  Coaches.... lead in a way to change the hearts & minds of your student-athletes. Model for them the right kind of leadership. Corporate, civic and government leaders, please lead in a way that makes others WANT to follow you.

On April 3rd, 1968, Dr. King said God had allowed him to look over the mountain top and see the promised land, even though he might not get there.

The 21st century can be the promised land.  Dr. King's movement was modeled after Gandhi & Jesus Christ. I believe their plan is best. I think I will follow those guys. What about you?