Saying 'No'

After beating the New York Jets last week, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said one of his greatest decisions in life was walking away from the Jets’ head coaching job — stepping down after less than a day.

“I resign as the HC of the NYJ,” he said, delivering his message off a napkin.

End of story.

“Well, not only one of the most defining, but you know, one of the great moments of my career,” Belichick added. “That combined with Robert [Kraft] giving me the opportunity to come here, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. That wasn’t a good situation for me, and I didn’t want to be part of it, so I wasn’t.”

But that’s not the end of the story — it only serves as the beginning. That’s not simply because of the tremendous success he’s has achieved coaching the New England Patriots but the important lesson that not all promotions are worth accepting. We love the increase in our pay stubs. We love the attention and responsibility. However, the main goal is to be successful, and if the cultural conditions don’t allow success, then what good is having the job?

Now, not all jobs are perfect. Past failures and imperfections create openings in high-level positions. Something is wrong; something is broken, but unless you understand the problems, how can you provide the solutions? Before you accept any position, you must have a set of non-negotiable principles. You cannot allow your ambition to cloud your judgment. Belichick knew he would receive one more chance to become a head coach. He knew the next promotion he accepted had to be in line with his beliefs. He learned from his time working in Cleveland as the head coach that unless ownership understood his program, understood his philosophical principles, then taking a job for his ambitions would prove fatal.

Having this list of non-negotiable principles speaks to the core of your leadership. They are not something you jot down before the interview or discuss before the offer. They are essential in your everyday life; they become your daily beliefs. Now, you might work in an organization that does not share all of your core beliefs — which is fine; you adjust as you go — you’re not in charge. However, when you can become the team leader, thus instilling the principles that matter most, you cannot settle. You must have the courage to say no. Remember, elimination is as important as discovery. When you eliminate situations, you enhance your chances of success.

Looking back, many would say Belichick knew he was going to get the Patriots job or some other NFL offer, and he was not courageous in turning down the Jets. Yet, at the time, few saw Belichick as a sure-fire success — only he and a few others knew in the right place that he would dominate. His courage came from his belief in his principles.

So should yours.

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