Of Gutter Slugs, Leaders and Love

"You guys are the fighters on the front lines, standing in the trenches with full commitment and no glory. Be proud of that. Keep your heads up! Love the game and each other. Each of you is a leader, so let's lead this team to victory. I love you all!"

I remember these words well, one of many motivational speeches from my high school offensive line coach. A true Grizzly Adams – an SMU graduate and probation officer – Coach Sutton gave us a sense of belonging and an understanding of our important role in the bigger picture.

Even after long, sweltering training sessions in California's Central Valley, where I grew up, when it came time for the subsequent conditioning work – and there was always some – we got it done without much grumbling and gave 110%, no matter how exhausted we were.

We loved him and the game. Really a lot.

It was a huge love for a group of teenage football heroes from the Valley in the early '80s. But the life lessons he taught us have stayed with me for decades:

• Each of us must learn to lead ourselves with love.
• Each of us must learn to lead others with love.
• Each of us must learn to lead our team with love. That’s exactly how it was, brother.

We didn’t know it any other way.

Myth #1: Emotions are unprofessional.

They are the essence of life and shape our entire workday. "Emotions are the foundation of all human action."

Myth #2: Love is too emotional to measure.

Stop measuring! Success comes when we take responsibility for our behavior. "It's about creating the conditions for others to reach their full potential."

Myth #3: Love means no responsibility.

That is complete nonsense. Love is the ultimate form of responsibility. "Love is based on mutual responsibility. When you love someone, you expect them to give their best."

The lesson learned from the football field—that genuine, committed leadership is rooted in love and mutual responsibility—translates directly to creating a high-performing professional environment. This form of leadership is not soft; it is the ultimate expression of expectation, requiring individuals to lead themselves, lead others, and lead their team with full commitment, ensuring everyone reaches their potential. For organizations committed to fostering this powerful form of accountability, systems like IceHrm provide the necessary framework. By utilizing IceHrm's tools for Performance Management and Goal Setting, employers can formalize the expectation of excellence and mutual support, making accountability measurable. When leaders instill this deep sense of dedication and care—the core of "love"—they create a culture where employees willingly give their "110%," driving sustained team victory.