If you follow American football, you have watched the transformation of the Detroit Lions over the last four years. This year is the first time in the franchise’s 96-year history that they’ve achieved an 11-1 winning streak. (YAHOO!) Their head coach, Dan Campbell, is largely credited with the metamorphosis of this team. He has been critiqued and praised for his strategies and approaches, but there is no denying that he has driven change in the Lions that many before him have not.

Public accounting leaders are challenged with multiple impactful trends, including challenges with the talent pipeline, new competitors coming into the field, generative AI, and new business models for firms. This kind of change can seem overwhelming, and there isn’t necessarily a proven path to follow. I think we can benefit by taking a look at Dan Campbell’s leadership playbook to see what makes him so successful.

  • 100% responsible! Dan lives and breathes this leadership distinction. There are times it appears his players were sloppy or careless, but in Campbell’s interviews, he shares his role in each situation, citing such things as: miscommunicating, calling the play late, or being unclear. He starts with what he could have done differently or how he can improve next time. This approach appears to be part of the team culture now. You don’t hear team members blaming each other but instead speaking about what more they can do to support the success of the team.
  • Expressing appreciation and acknowledgement of his team. In the locker room, Campbell doesn’t just focus on the most visible, or big playmakers, but also talks about those who achieved various milestones and accomplishments in their career. He shares these wins with the whole team by giving specific statistics on the success and provides praise. This approach can make people feel seen and appreciated for the progress they are making, even when others may not have seen it. This can further motivate and give all team members a sense of value and belonging.
  • Care and compassion! This is what really caught my eye when Dan became head coach four years ago. He vulnerably demonstrates how much he cares about his team. This big, ex-football player has publicly shed tears out of pride and disappointment. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his team has no doubt about how much he cares about them.
  • Listens to input. He relies on his colleagues to bring ideas and strategies. They have proposed very uncharacteristic players, and he makes a point of listening to their ideas and exploring the opportunities. Some of these unusual choices have led to some highly successful players. (Look at their kicker, a former soccer player, that has made every field goal this season except 1!)
  • Passion for the game. There is no question how much he loves the game. He joined a team that has struggled for decades and saw an opportunity. Great passion can intimidate some and make others feel like they have no voice, but Campbell’s passion engages you, even the onlookers. (Spoken from a lukewarm football fan that now yells and cheers at the TV.)
  • He is resilient! The transformation did not happen overnight. There was a lot of hope when he joined the team, but the first two years weren’t showing improvement. Campbell has been a steady and strong leader through the setbacks and losses. He uses the losses to ignite the team to do better instead of wallowing in the disappointment. Any plan will have deviation and get off track at times. Campbell digs into that “grit” and forges ahead.

Wherever your firm is now, you likely have a much better success record than the Detroit Lions has had in the past. Consider how much you can do by embracing Dan Campbell’s leadership approach to create a future ready firm with a lasting legacy. Build the team, services, and practice you love, and you will win!