The 6 Things Jon Gruden's Replacement Must Do

Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia has waited his entire life for the opportunity to lead an NFL team.

But the situation he’s stepping into is far from ideal. He’s now forced to clean up a toxic environment caused by the offensive words of his predecessor and best friend, Jon Gruden.

While some will say, “New coach, new era,” after Sunday’s win over Denver, Bisaccia must recognize he’s still linked to Gruden’s behavior and that there is an absence of trust with the players that must be regained. No matter how prepared Bisaccia might feel, he will be overwhelmed initially and will require additional help.

One valuable resource for him could be U.S. Navy Captain Michael Abrashoff's incredible book, “It’s Your Ship.”

In June 1997, Abrashoff set foot upon the USS Benfold for his first run at sea command. Much like Bisaccia, Abrashoff was promoted into a bad situation. His new crew was blatantly disrespectful to the departing captain, a man who was known for ruling with an iron fist, and the Benfold had earned the reputation as one of the least productive ships in the Navy.

Abrashoff knew that the cold-hearted leadership style of the departing captain didn’t resonate with the crew and that he needed a fresh approach. So he implemented six strategies that Bisaccia can as well to earn back trust.

1. Lead by Example- Make everyone — from players, coaches to staff — know he is different and that he has a plan moving forward. Lead everyone every day differently than before. Show everyone by his actions that a different leader has assumed control.

2. Listen Aggressively- Abrashoff talked to over 300 members of the Benfold and made notes of each meeting. He wanted to show he cared. Bisaccia needs to listen, take notes and show he, too, cares.

3. Communicate with Purpose- He must use different methods to ensure everyone is hearing and listening. Players buy in with their ears so he must make them understand exactly what he wants with no ambiguity.

4. Go above and beyond- Show everyone that he is fully invested, not because of the new title, but because of his willingness to lead.

5. The Washington Post Test- The end goal is essential, but how you get there is just as critical. Abrashoff writes, “If what I’m about to do appeared on the front page of the Washington Post tomorrow, would I be proud or embarrassed? If I knew I would be embarrassed, I would not do it. If I’d be proud, I knew I was generally on the right track.” Leading with integrity is doing the right thing, even when that’s difficult.

6. Take risks- For greatness to occur, everyone in an organization must feel comfortable taking calculated risks. As a leader, ensure that your employees know the parameters in which they can operate. Let them know that thinking outside of the box will be rewarded, even if it doesn’t result in instant success.

Bisaccia needs to be authentic and his own man, while acknowledging the sins of the past. He must reinforce to his players that this is still their season, their team and their moment to shine.

If he can prove his skills as a leader under these tough circumstances, that “interim” label will be removed, and he will be the captain of the Raiders’ ship.