Put It In Their Hands & Don't Meddle.

The best aren’t getting better on their own, they’re getting better because they are being coached.

This week is a quick read while you drink your morning coffee.

We’re diving into Nick Saban’s unique approach to building a disciplined, resilient team culture. The short version? Put the power in their hands and don’t meddle.

Greatest Of Expectations

In the first chapter of his 2005 book, Nick Saban delves into some of the key processes that helped him foster the discipline and reputation his teams are known for. He explains, “In any organisation, you must set out guidelines and provide the support for behaviour that adheres to those guidelines. There must also be defined consequences for actions that go against them.” Known for his strict approach, Saban’s method may seem surprisingly progressive—even modern.

During his tenure at Michigan State in the 1990s, Saban implemented “peer intervention groups” to give players a say in self-governance. He writes, “At the time, our organisation had been tarnished by numerous off-the-field incidents, including arrests and academic failures. We created player councils to give the players a say in the rules and enforcement of those rules. Experience showed that players taking ownership in the team reduced conduct detrimental to the team.”

Here’s how the system operated:

• Players received education on the typical situations student-athletes face, such as issues related to drugs, alcohol, agents, gambling, relationships, dorm life, and class attendance.

• Over the course of the year, players accumulated “negative points” for infractions. Upon reaching a certain level, a player had to appear before a peer panel.

• The peer group then assigned any necessary punishment and developed a plan that the player had to follow.

• Continued violations following the peer intervention group resulted in a personal meeting with Saban himself.

Saban made a point of allowing the peer group to work independently of the coaches, though he noted that players, often between the ages of 18-22, received guidance as needed, particularly for severe cases. He has seen other head coaches interfere with similar systems if they disagreed with the group’s decisions. “There is no point handing your players the opportunity to govern themselves if you’re going to interfere in their governance,” he notes. He adds that the players’ involvement increases their awareness of the impact of their actions on each other. The team’s meeting room features the motto, “What you do, you do to everyone in this room.”

The peer intervention system worked so effectively that Saban brought it with him to LSU, where it played a part in his first national championship win.

Moral of the story: The importance of empowering individuals within an organization to take ownership of their behaviour and governance. By implementing “peer intervention groups,” Nick Saban not only established clear guidelines and consequences but also encouraged players to actively participate in maintaining team discipline. This approach fosters accountability, enhances awareness of the impact of one’s actions on others, and ultimately leads to a stronger, more cohesive team culture. Allowing self-governance—while providing necessary support and guidance—can significantly reduce detrimental conduct and contribute to overall success.

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