Lessons on Leadership from My Grandfather - Coach Paul Dietzel

We are only 15 days into 2021, and already, the year has brought scenes of riots at the US Capitol that are now etched in our memory. In many ways, it feels as if the world changed on January 6, 2021. There is little doubt as 2021 unfolds, the year will bring massive changes economically, educationally, and politically.

As investigations into the actions of what took place and why on January 6th, it is apparent a massive void of leadership exists in ways not seen in a very long time. Across every sector in American life, the complaints seem to be the same: leadership needs to improve. In order for that to happen leaders need to learn to think differently about both the art and science of leadership.

Reflecting on how to improve my own skills as a leader, I remembered some of the greatest lessons my grandfather taught me that are rare in today’s toxic political and corporate culture. As we reflect on the tragedies of the past two weeks, I thought these lessons might be helpful to clear the debris from our minds and focus on the future.

First - Kindness matters a lot more than you think.

Men and women who are thoughtful, deferential, and focused on others are truly shocking in our culture. As a football coach, my grandfather knew he had to transform young men into tough competitors, but even as he demanded mental and physical toughness, he always remembered his players’ birthday. He never forgot their hometown, and he knew their parent’s names. He was known to write a handwritten note to a player who had made a mistake during a game. He taught me kindness matters, and it does now more than ever.

Second – There are no “little” people.

True leadership is never self-exalting or condescending. It does not call people names or dismiss them because they have a different opinion. It never forgets the little people because there really are no little people. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

Third – Bullying and Intimidation are not leadership techniques.

I’ve never seen such a time when rage is considered by many to be a virtue. Real leadership is always marked by patience, integrity, and a spirit of calm even when the pressure is at its greatest.

Finally – Leadership is about making other people better.

When you grow to the point to see your life as a way to help others, it brings clarity, focus, and energy. Our legacies are shaped day by day, step by step in ways that allow us to send messages to a place we will not see to people we will not meet to influence a time when we will not live.

Real leadership is about a legacy that lives beyond your lifetime.

During these days of trial and sorrow, these simple lessons from my grandfather still ring true long after he has departed this life.