Let me start by owning the fact that I love college football. This past season was one of the best of my lifetime — watching my Ole Miss Rebels finish the regular season at 11-1, win two playoff games, and battle the Miami Hurricanes down to the final seconds.
And yes, I’m still recovering from a questionable no-call that cost Ole Miss a last-play chance to take the lead.
Wiping away my tears, let’s talk about leadership.
This season produced a Cinderella story that, in my opinion, stands as the greatest turnaround college football has ever seen. The Indiana Hoosiers football team entered the year as the losingest program in college football history. What followed was not just a winning season—it was a masterclass in leadership, culture, and high performance.
As I watched the clock tick down on championship night and saw Indiana begin to celebrate, I didn’t just see a team win. I saw leadership lessons unfolding in real time.
So impactful, in fact, that the very next morning — before I had finished my first cup of coffee — this story became a central discussion point in a strategic planning session with a leadership team.
Lesson One: Culture Beats Talent
Indiana did not win with five-star recruits or headline names. They won with a relentless commitment to WE over ME.
The coaching staff was intentional — almost ruthless — about who they invited onto the team. Talent alone was not enough. They looked for individuals who demonstrated character, commitment, and a willingness to serve the team and the vision first.
High-trust, high-performance teams are never accidental. They are built by leaders who understand that who you invite onto the team matters as much as the strategy you deploy. Culture always shows up on the football field and in the workplace.
Lesson Two: Uncommon Discipline Creates Consistency
Indiana’s rise wasn’t fueled by motivational speeches or short-term emotion. It was built through discipline—daily habits executed with precision and purpose.
They practiced to play at their full potential, not just to “get by.” They focused on doing the little things correctly, over and over, when no one was watching. High standards and expectations included small things like punctuality, focus, effort and holding each other accountable.
Consistency is a secret ingredient to reaching our full potential. And because most people aren’t consistent, it requires uncommon discipline. Indiana showed us the power — and the reward — of committing to that discipline when others won’t.
I’ve seen these same principles — culture, discipline, and consistency — drive extraordinary results in organizations far beyond the football field.
Lesson Three: Play the Current Play
One of Indiana’s core values was simple and powerful: play the current play. In other words, FOCUS.
The last play couldn’t define them. The next play couldn’t distract them. Excellence only happened when every player committed fully to the moment in front of them. When we focus on the task in front of us, we bring out our full potential to bear.
This mindset produced something rare: players who knew their roles, embraced those roles, and took ownership of the responsibility that came with them. No hero ball. No blame. Just trust, clarity, and execution.
That is how teams — on the field and in business — achieve sustained excellence.
Lesson Four: Compelling Vision Brings Clarity
The head coach, Curt Cignetti, passionately laid out a clear and compelling vision before they held the first practice. Not only did he provide clarity on where they were going and how they would get there, but he also demonstrated belief in the vision.
When the spotlight got brighter, the pressure mounted, he did not waver from the vision. This provided incredible clarity in who they were, provided a north star for making decisions and kept WE as the central focus. This focus is a difference maker.
Bringing It Home
I’ll admit, it’s a little depressing that it’s seven months until we hike the ball again. But the beauty of leadership lessons like this is that we don’t have to wait for kickoff to apply them.
Indiana reminded us that:
- Culture beats talent.
- Uncommon discipline creates consistency.
- Excellence is built by focusing on the current play.
- Clarity with a compelling vision is powerful.
I plan to apply this pattern of leadership to my own life and work starting today — not next season, not next quarter.
What did Indiana teach you about high performance and excellence? And more importantly, where could you apply it this week?
John O’Leary says: “Read it now! This journey in Leading with Significance to build a magnetic workplace reveals not only where God, faith and belonging intersect to create a magnetic culture but practical ideas and poignant stories to ensure you create it within your organization.”
Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey.
For more information on my presentations or to access my beBetter blog library go to joeyhavens.com.
