After a 7-0 winning streak this season, Penn State’s football team suffered two back-to-back losses, most recently against Michigan State University. When the game ended in defeat, a few devastated Penn State players retreated toward the locker room without shaking hands with the MSU players. Incensed, Penn State Coach James Franklin ran after them and made his players return to the field to acknowledge the winners. In his post-game press conference, Franklin proclaimed, “We win with class. We lose with class. And we are going to shake people’s hands and give them credit because they deserved it.” Coach Franklin invoked two powerful influences:
- Social Cognitive Theory
- Labeling Theory
Social Cognitive Theory People observe the actions and behaviors of their role models to mold their own actions and behaviors. Children watch their parents. Employees watch their boss. Football players watch their coach. Through his action immediately after the game and his behavior during the press conference, Coach Franklin demonstrated for his players the importance of acknowledging the winning team’s performance. And he articulated his intolerance for disrespecting others. Labeling Theory People who are labeled (especially by role models) tend to mold their actions and behaviors to fit that label. Coach Franklin labeled his team “classy” and “respectful,” likely emboldening concordant actions from his players. We all have the power to influence others with our own actions and behaviors. By…
- exuding passion
- acting with integrity and consistency
- respecting and standing up for others
- recognizing and appreciating efforts
- using empowering labels intentionally
Inadvertently, Coach Franklin demonstrated for the rest of us what it means to lead with class.