^{“Confidence is a characteristic of a positive attitude. The greatest achievers and leaders remain confident regardless of circumstances.” - John C. Maxwell}

It’s an odd feeling to stand in front of a room and tell all of the stakeholders of a losing organization that, “You will be the best!” 

Though their facial expressions may not change much, you know they’re thinking you might be crazy. The covered mouth whisperers begin the chain of naysaying, arms fold, people lean back rather than in, the signs are there. And there you are, on the tight rope with no net. You’ve said something you can’t walk back. And though many leaders will find themselves in this predicament there’s one variable that separates the ones that make it happen and the ones that a year later are blaming others and staring at the ground instead of forward. Confidence. The ability to believe whole-heartedly in your leadership because you know without doubt that you will succeed.

Love him or hate him, Coach Deion Sanders has this leadership trait in abundance. But confidence and a cowboy hat aren’t the only things Coach Prime packed in his suitcase when he moved to the University of Colorado. Let’s unpack what confidence is in action with four C’s of Confidence:

Character: Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities of a person. As a leader, you are the moral compass of your organization. The behaviors and even specific words you utter and allow to be spoken will be measured against you. And, Coach Sanders exercises his moral character when given the opportunity. When asked in the post-game interview after a 36-14 win over Nebraska on Saturday, “What is the measure of your impact on local business?” Sanders took the opportunity to divert attention away from himself. Instead, he stated that, “I’m more focused on the social impact. I’m seeing more African-Americans in the stands, in restaurants, and in the city. The young men on the field aren’t black or white, they’re Colorado Buffaloes. We’re bringing people together.” Diversity, inclusion, & connectedness were in his message. How can you in like fashion exercise your character and demonstrate the character of your team or organization this week?

Charisma: This is one trait that Coach Prime is not lacking in. Aside from his cowboy hate, gold chain, and hoodie stating, “I ain’t hard to find,” Coach Prime is always being recorded and observed when he speaks, talks, or walks. For some that may be a heavy burden. But, it’s the reality of being a leader. You are always under speculation and observation. Coach Prime has just learned how to market it. He constantly speaks of the, “energy,” of the locker room, staff, and stands. He’s a the generator of that energy and the people in the program are the conductors. How can you be a generator of positive energy this week and fend off the energy vampires? 

Caring: If you don’t care for “Coach Prime,” or Neon Deion, or whatever other nickname there is for Coach Sanders, then maybe you’re not paying enough attention to detail. Listen to the manner in which he addresses reporters. Yes sir, yes ma’am, thank you, how are you, and good to see you are common vernacular. He refers to his players as young men, and even inquired about the health of a reporter in Saturday’s post game press conference, asking, “Are you feeling better?” When posed a question rather than answering or boasting. The reporter responded, “I am thank you,” to which Coach Sanders replied, “Amen.” Then there’s the dichotomy of care. Which is, not caring what the naysayers think. As quick as he is to exchange niceties, he’s just as quick on the draw to catch someone being dishonest or disrespectful of the work his team is doing. This week how can you eradicate negativity and instead use all your energy to love your team/organization well?"

Clarity: From the beginning, Coach Sanders has been crystal clear with his message. In short, “If you don’t believe, leave.” His initial conference with the team at UC was televised and left many shocked and still reeling. “Jump in the portal,” was his message to any player there that wasn’t up to task and that didn’t believe in what he was about to do. And so, many did. 46 to be exact, and 41 of those left UC. When leading, if a member of your team is cancerous to your culture, the character of your program or organization, or simply will not meet the standards then many times they must be removed. Coach Sanders was simply holding the door open. “We’re keeping receipts,” is another message for any member of the media or sports pundits that wrote off Coach Sanders and the Buffaloes. And he was not kidding. In the post-game press conference when a previous naysayer attempted to ask him a question Coach Sanders was sure to stop him in his tracks and instead ask him, “Now do you believe?” Quickly followed by, “Next question.” Many will interpret that as rude. But as a leader, you have to cut negativity out of your path and out of the mindsets of those you lead. He’s only making time for those that demonstrated, “faith in the mission, not me.” Are you being clear in your communication? This week look over the manner in which you’ve communicated expectations and refine and revisit them.

I was never a fan of Sanders as a player. Not that I hated or disliked him, I just wasn’t drawn to his bravado. But as a coach, I’m officially rooting for him and his young men in Boulder. You have to drill down past the mystique of “Prime Time,” and appreciate the standard he has set for every stakeholder in the Colorado program. Get past the high stepping and touchdown celebratory dance from his playing days and you’ll be able to see how impactful he is in the lives of his players. And make no mistake, there are 85 young men in the locker room that are learning how to be great leaders, from a PRIME example.