The Importance Of Tribal Leadership

By Charles Schuler


Leaders set direction. Leaders change the way we think. Leaders change the world. Today's discussion is about three leaders and the way they changed (are changing) the world. These leaders are quite different from one another. But they share a common thread that has made their leadership journeys truly special.

Besides having impressive resumes, what do these 3 leaders have in common? They built tribes. Tribes are groups of people united with a common vision. They challenge the status quo and how people think. Tribes change the world. Seth Godin, author of the best-selling book Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us offers this definition: "A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea." Jesus, Coach K, and Jimmy Buffett connected people to a vision. They built tribes.

Jesus, undoubtedly, is the most popular person who ever lived. He's the central figure of Christianity and is regarded as an important prophet of God in Islam. During his life, he impacted countless lives through his ministry and teachings. He spread hope and inspired people to believe and have faith. He became such a popular leader throughout his time that he became a political threat and was eventually executed. He's the primary character in the Bible, the most popular book ever written. Mike Kryzyzewski (also called "Coach K") is the all-time winningest coach in Division I men's college basketball. To date he has coached Duke University to 4 NCAA championships, 11 Final Fours, and 12 conference titles. He was the coach and leader of the US's gold medal-winning 2008 Summer Olympics men's basketball team. Jimmy Buffett is a singer-songwriter, film producer, and businessman. He's famous for his musical talent and has released 30 albums: 8 gold and 9 platinum or multiplatinum. Buffett has written 3 best-selling books and he owns 2 successful restaurant chains: "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise."

Coach K has a tribe too. While not quite as big as Jesus', it's pretty sizeable nonetheless. In a college sports era marred by recruiting scandals and lacking a focus on education, Coach K built a basketball program based on fundamentals and sound principles. Although many of his players went on to have successful careers in the NBA, he coached 19 seasons before a player left school early to pursue a professional basketball career. 19 seasons! His dedication to excellence has garnered him many awardsand a tribe! Duke University named the floor in their basketball arena "Coach K Court" in his honor. The grassy area outside of the arena is titled "Krzyzewskiville." Duke also named the brand new basketball practice facility after him: "Michael W. Krzyzewski Center - Dedicated to Academic and Athletic Excellence." His tribe members include the Cameron Crazies (members of the student body who organize cheers at the games), former players and staff members, and the alumni and fans of Duke Basketball. Nine of his former players and assistant coaches became head coaches at other schools. Three former players now work for him as assistants at Duke. His program has produced more leaders than any other college sports program.

Jimmy Buffett united his tribe under the concept of "island escapism." He created "Margaritaville," a place for his listeners to escape the hardships of everyday life. His tribe, "the Parrotheads," comes together at his live performances to take pleasure in and celebrate the island lifestyle. Typical attire for a Parrothead includes a Hawaiian shirt, "board shorts", and flip-flops for men or a grass skirt and coconut bra for ladies. Buffett built his tribe through his catchy lyrics and magnetic personality. His idea has helped him sell over 20 million albums, sell out concert venues, and form the Parrothead tribe.

Jimmy Buffett united his tribe under the concept of "island escapism." He created "Margaritaville," a place for his listeners to leave the hardships of everyday life. His tribe, "the Parrotheads," comes together at his live performances to take pleasure in and celebrate the island lifestyle. Typical attire for a Parrothead includes a Hawaiian shirt, "board shorts", and flip-flops for men or a grass skirt and coconut bra for ladies. Buffett built his tribe through his catchy tunes and magnetic personality. His idea has helped him sell over 20 million albums, sell out concert venues, and form the Parrothead tribe.

Best of luck on your leadership journey. You will do awesome.




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