I wrote a column on New England Patriots a while back when they clinched the 16-0 perfect season. I am not a big Pats fan but I am fascinated by the consistent leadership that the team has shown over the years. (I was actually a big Chiefs fan when Marty Schottenheimer coached the team. Marty was a great coach and always wanted to see him win a Super bowl…) Patriots won three Super Bowls and critics thought that was that and the end of the dynasty. But, the Patriots are proving the critics wrong again! With a win this weekend, they will have yet another Super Bowl..and this time with a perfect record.

It amazes me that this low profile team in the late ’90s has risen to become one of the greatest NFL franchises. In 2005, James Lavin wrote an interesting and thoroughly researched book on the Patriots – Management Secrets of New England patriots. The book highlighted the management and leadership traits that helped them win the three super bowls. Great leadership traits among players, coaches and the owner Bob Kraft has to be the main reason they are consistently performing well.

I was watching a press conference on NFL channel last week. As always, Coach Belichick and the players were humble, showing great deal of respect to each other and more importantly to their Super Bowl opponent Giants. This has been their ritual. Unlike some of the teams who blow their own horns, the Patriots always praises their opponents.

I agree with all these traits that Lavin mentioned in his book! I highly recommend entrepreneurs in leadership and management roles to read the book.

1. Respect opponents, Do not undermine your competition
2. It’s Leadership! not luck
3. Humble ownership/ top management sets the right direction
4. Consummate Leadership is the key
5. Winning with class
6. Smart coaches/ leaders & coachable players/staff
7. look for overlooked talent
8. Focus on value (Performance/pay)
9. Expectations – Past performance is no guarantee for future results. Be creative!
10. Everyone’s a coach. Every member of an organization needs to take a lead.
11. Being competitive is not a bad thing. Don’t get mad, get even!
12. Best marketing is a great product

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Tags: James Lavin, Management Secrets of New England Patriots, New England Patriots, Patriots, Pats, Super Bowl