Why Hustle Beats Talent in Leadership: Lessons from Football

Hey there, friends—it’s Jim, coming to you from Toronto, where the fall chill is settling in and football season’s got me fired up. As a guy who’s led teams for over 25 years, I’m always struck by how much sports mirrors leadership. I’m reminded daily that success comes down to one thing: effort. And nobody sums it up better than Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk: “Effort requires no talent. Hustle requires no talent.”

That quote’s a game-changer. In my book, “Don’t Wait, Lead Now” (grab it on Amazon if you haven’t yet), I talk about how leadership isn’t about being the smartest or most gifted—it’s about showing up with heart. Faulk’s words hit home because hustle is a choice, not a birthright. It’s what separates a good leader from a great one, just like it separates a solid team from a championship squad.

Great coaches have been preaching this forever. Take John Wooden, the UCLA basketball legend, who said, “Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” That’s hustle in a nutshell—pushing forward even when the scoreboard’s not in your favor. Or think about Bill Belichick, who’s built a dynasty with the Patriots by focusing on “Do your job.” No flash, just relentless effort. In business, I’ve seen this play out time and again—whether it’s rallying a team through a tough quarter or rolling up my sleeves to dig into a problem alongside my crew.

So, how do you bring this coach’s mindset to your leadership game? Here are three actionable steps to boost your hustle and inspire your team. These are practical, no-nonsense moves you can start today, even with a packed schedule:

1. Model Relentless Effort: Lead from the front. Whether it’s tackling a tough client call or staying late to review a proposal, show your team what hustle looks like. Action: This week, pick one task you’ve been delegating and dive in yourself—show your team you’re in the trenches with them.

2. Celebrate the Grind: Like Wooden, focus on courage. Recognize team members who push through setbacks, even if the results aren’t perfect yet. Empathy matters—acknowledge their effort, not just the outcome. Action: At your next team meeting, call out one person’s hustle moment and tie it to your team’s goals. Keep it genuine.

3. Simplify the Playbook: Channel Belichick’s “Do your job.” Clarify roles so everyone knows their part, then trust them to execute with effort. Action: Have a quick one-on-one with a team member to align on their priorities—keep it focused and actionable.

Leadership isn’t about waiting for a perfect moment or a natural gift—it’s about hustling now, as I emphasize in “Don’t Wait, Lead Now”. Whether you’re in a boardroom or a family room, effort is the universal currency of success. So, let’s take a page from these coaches and make hustle our superpower.

What’s your take on hustle in leadership? Drop a comment on the blog—I’d love to hear your stories. Until next week, keep grinding, and don’t wait—lead now!

Disclaimer:  This post is mine alone and may not be the views or opinions of any others, including past or current employers, friends, or family.  You can also find me on Substack, Medium, Tumblr, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X