A lot is being written and broadcast about Nick Saban, the Alabama football coach many believe to be the best of all time. If you read these notes, you know I admire Saban’s leadership and team-building approach. I cite him as an inspiration often.

Here’s one I picked up today:

“How many on your team need to be led?”

The question implies that there will be missed opportunities if a team has many players who don’t accept accountability.

Saban won the recruiting battles year after year. It was rare that his roster wasn’t stacked with the most talented players.

But he didn’t win the championship every year. He would tell you that the distinguishing factor on championship teams was high-quality leadership among the players. The best teams were filled with folks who took their jobs seriously, worked hard in preparation, corrected issues quickly, and held each other accountable.

In other words, the team was so self-led that the leadership effort came from within.

Sure, it’s good to be inspired. It’s good to be taught. It’s good to be given better ways to do things. But take care of the leadership.