by Julie Tuggle-Nguyen
Here in the Midwest, fall means football. And for me personally, it means cheering on my alma mater, Mizzou. So, I was particularly excited when Midwest BankCentre announced a partnership with Mizzou’s star quarterback, Brady Cook, to promote financial empowerment and community impact among young people.
Watching Brady, his teammates, coaches and staff work together to build a winning team has me reflecting on the parallels between football and business. If you’re a business leader working to develop and nurture your team, there’s a lot to learn from both worlds.
As a human resources executive who has spent years building internal teams, I’ve seen firsthand the similarities between successful sports teams and successful businesses. Whether on the field or in the office, the principles remain the same. Here’s how these lessons from football can help you build a winning team in your business.
Recruit top talent.
The success of any team—whether in football or business—starts with recruiting the best talent. Just as a football team’s chances of winning depend on the skills and strengths of its players, your company’s success hinges on having the right people in the right roles. The excitement that comes with signing a new star player is the same buzz you should aim to create when you bring top talent into your organization. People not only want to be paid well; they want to be a part of something larger. Attract talent with both competitive compensation and a strong, purposeful company culture.
Set goals and expectations.
Once you get the right talent in the door, you need to make sure they know what to do. Football players each have a specific role on the field and train to perfect it. Employees need to know their role, what’s expected of them, and how their contributions help achieve the company’s broader objectives. That means laying out specific job responsibilities, setting performance goals, and consistently managing performance. It’s not enough to assume people know what to do—leadership must communicate clearly and hold everyone accountable.
Train and develop your talent.
Football teams train year-round, working on skills, strategies, and building endurance to stay sharp. The same applies in business. It’s essential to invest in your talent’s ongoing development. Top-performing companies focus on creating pathways for employees to expand their skills, take on new challenges, and grow within the organization. Like a coach who recognizes potential and develops a player’s abilities, a good business leader will nurture talent, helping team members reach their full potential.
Build a culture of respect.
Winning teams are built on mutual respect. Diversity of thought, background, and perspective is a tremendous asset in both sports and business. The best ideas and strategies often come from teams where individuals feel free to be themselves and contribute fully. Create an environment where each person is respected and valued for who they are, and you’ll see stronger collaboration, innovation, and engagement. Respect leads to trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful team.
Show up for your team.
The best coaches and captains lead by example, showing up for their team both in practice and during the game. Strong business leaders must do the same. Show up every day with enthusiasm, support your team, and demonstrate the behaviors you want to see. Engagement, transparency, and recognition are critical leadership qualities. Make time for your employees, be accessible, communicate openly, and celebrate wins in ways that are meaningful and exciting for your team. While monetary bonuses are great, simple gestures like shout-outs or a handwritten note can go a long way in making your team feel valued.
At the heart of every winning team—whether on the football field or in business—is the ability to bring people together. Think about the sense of community a successful team builds. In football, it’s not just about the game; it’s about the fans, the camaraderie, and the pride that unites everyone. When you lead your team to success, it’s not just your employees who feel it—your customers, partners, and community are drawn in too. Winning teams inspire loyalty and foster a sense of belonging. They create something people want to be part of. When your business thrives, it has a ripple effect, strengthening connections and building a community that supports you every step of the way.
Julie Tuggle-Nguyen is Chief Human Resources Officer at Midwest BankCentre.