'Players Will Come and Go'

Australia has its own version of football.

It's called "Footy," a hybrid of soccer and American Football. It's an intense, fast-faced game requiring high conditioning. There are 18 teams throughout the country, and since 1897, clubs have competed each spring and summer for the "Premiership," representing the best of the AFL.

Alastair Clarkson is considered the Bill Belichick of the league, having won four Premierships while coaching the Hawthorne Hawks.

He recently became the head coach of North Melbourne, tasked with restoring "The Kangaroos" to glory. They have not won a Premiership since 1999 and had a 1-15 record in 2022.

In his first meeting with the team, Clarkson emphasized that North Melbourne is NOT searching for players who can play the game. It was instead searching for players who could compete for an AFL Premiership Championship and play their best "footy" on the biggest stage.

Clarko (his nickname) said, "Players will come and go" and most are capable, but not all are willing to play the right way or sacrifice for the good of the team. He's is looking for the ones who are willing to turn "Me" into "We."

He knows that he must have the right players who buy into the culture to give him sustainable success. Thus, he isn't searching for a quick fix. He understands the first steps toward anything sustainable lie in eliminating players, not searching for them. He has specific criteria they must meet, and if they fail, they won't be a part of his team when they eventually win the Premiership.

There is no confusion when the leader is as honest and forthright, as Clarkson is when discussing the requirements to play for his team. His brutal honesty sets the tone — and that honesty is the foundation of the culture.

Like all great leaders, Clarkson communicates specifically what is required — with no grey area. Players will either buy in or leave.

Clarkson's confidence in his system is apparent in his presentation. Just because a player plays for another team doesn't mean he made a mistake; it only means that player wasn't the right fit for his team. Building a great culture takes confidence and the willingness to turn some players away — even if they're talented.

Building a program at any level requires strict criteria and a willingness to dismiss those who don't fit. Clearly, Clarko understands where he's going.

And, as any leader knows, that's the most important first step.