When Mike Singletary speaks, you can feel the intensity. It’s not just words—it’s conviction, it’s purpose, and it’s a challenge. His leadership philosophy resonates deeply because it’s rooted in something that many leaders fail to truly embrace: accountability, hunger, and belief.
Leadership is not about managing people; it’s about showing them the way. It’s about being out in the field, walking alongside your team, and modeling the behaviors you want to see in them. Mike’s story of going from a hesitant rookie on special teams to an All-Pro linebacker who asked to be part of special teams again is a testament to his belief in one thing: Every role matters when it’s tied to a greater purpose.
The Challenge of Leadership: Do You Believe?
One of the most striking moments in Mike’s speech was his reflection on belief. He said, “If I believe it, trust me, it’s going to move.” That belief is what separates leaders who inspire from those who merely manage. It’s what drives teams to rally behind a vision.
But belief alone isn’t enough. It has to be paired with action. Mike doesn’t just talk about leadership; he embodies it. He’s in the field, holding himself and his team accountable. He challenges his team to not only work hard but to think critically about what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and how it contributes to the larger mission.
As leaders, we need to ask ourselves:
- Do we believe in our vision?
- Are we modeling the behaviors we expect from our teams?
- Are we holding ourselves accountable to the same standards we set for others?
Hunger: The Narrow Road to Excellence
Mike spoke about the narrow road of leadership—the one that’s not crowded because it’s hard. It’s the road that demands you get better every single day. It’s the road that requires hunger: the relentless drive to improve, to innovate, and to inspire.
“I’m hungry,” he said. Hungry to be the best leader, the best father, the best teammate. Hunger is the fuel for greatness. But it’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about chasing progress. It’s about showing up every day, ready to earn the right to call yourself a champion.
For leaders, hunger means:
- Never settling for mediocrity: Yesterday’s success is not enough for today.
- Investing in your team’s growth: Your success is directly tied to theirs.
- Constantly learning and adapting: The game is always changing, and so must you.
Accountability: Own the Results
Mike’s emphasis on accountability was powerful. He said, “If you don’t own the results, you’re not leading.” That statement hit hard because it’s a truth many leaders shy away from.
It’s easy to point fingers, to blame external factors, or to hide behind excuses. But great leaders don’t do that. They own the wins and the losses. They take responsibility for their teams’ performance, even when the circumstances are less than ideal.
Accountability starts with visibility.
As leaders, we must ensure:
- We know what’s happening on the front lines.
- We’re not just managing from behind a desk but actively engaging with our teams.
- We’re using tools like Salesforce or other systems not as a crutch, but as a way to gain clarity and drive better decisions.
Accountability also means having the courage to challenge your team and yourself.
It means asking the hard questions:
- Are we doing everything we can to achieve our goals?
- Are we focusing on what truly matters, or are we getting distracted by noise?
- Are we aligned in our purpose and execution?
The Power of the Team: Lead from the Front
Mike’s story about special teams taught a valuable lesson: Leadership is about making every role feel important. He didn’t want to be on special teams until a coach made him believe it was special. That shift in mindset changed everything.
As leaders, we have the power to elevate our teams by:
- Being present: Get in the field, on the calls, and in the meetings with your team. Show them you’re invested in their success.
- Teaching and mentoring: Don’t just tell your team what to do—show them how to do it. Teach them the process, challenge their thinking, and help them grow.
- Celebrating wins: Recognize and reward the contributions of every team member, no matter how small.
Mike’s message was clear: Leadership is not about sitting back and delegating. It’s about stepping up, being in the trenches, and leading by example.
The Winning Playbook for Leaders in 2025
Mike posed a powerful question:
“How are we going to be elite leaders in 2025?”
The answer lies in his approach:
- Believe in your vision and inspire others to believe in it too.
- Stay hungry for growth, improvement, and excellence.
- Hold yourself accountable and own the results.
- Lead from the front and make every role on your team feel special.
The truth is, leadership is hard. It’s a narrow road that not everyone is willing to walk. But for those who choose to take it, the rewards are unparalleled. As Mike said, “Every day, I strive to earn the right to call myself a champion.”
So ask yourself:
What are you doing today to earn that title? What are you doing to make your team, your organization, and yourself better?
Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Let’s embrace the challenge and commit to being the best leaders we can be.
