Leadership comes in all different shapes, voices, sizes, and styles. One consistent factor for any leader looking to build a winning culture is getting their team to buy in. The quickest way to do that is to let the team know, as a leader, that each of them is genuinely cared about. Genuine relationships between a leader and his/her team are invaluable. So why is Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire letting the world know he has Honey Buns and Hot Cheetos outside of his office?
(Sugar) Crash Course On Fueling The Body
Just look at how wreckless coach McGuire is fueling his team with these foods:
- Honey Buns- 460 Calories
- 23 grams of fat (12g saturated)
- 29 grams of added sugar (almost the max “recommended” for daily consumption, which provided no nutritional value)
- Hot Cheetos- 160 Calories
- 11 grams of fat (1.5g saturated)
- 1 gram of protein
Both of these foods serve zero nutritional purposes. Texas Tech has its own state-of-the-art nutritional center for its athletes to fuel their bodies properly. So what gives? McGuire has a long road ahead of him to turn this program into a sustainable, national program. Coaches talk about culture all the time. A team’s culture starts with the man in charge. The first thing McGuire has to do is establish a trusting relationship with all of his players and staff.
Celery And Blueberries Or Honey Buns And Hot Cheetos?
Picture it now. The boss sets up a plate of celery and blueberries outside his/her office. Who is jumping at the opportunity to walk by and pop a couple of blueberries in their mouth? While people like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. James DiNicolantonio, Dr. Steven Gundry, and Dr. Daniel Amen would scream “YES YOU SHOULD!”, the reality is most of us aren’t craving rabbit food. Especially 18-22-year-olds who are physically fit specimens with a metabolism that burns hotter than a locomotive engine. I would venture a guess that most of us also aren’t going to run for the opportunity to have forced small talk with the boss either. McGuire is aware of this. For what the Honey Buns and Hot Cheetos lack in physical nutrition, he is using them as a tool to fuel their emotional nutrition.
Wellness Drives Increased Productivity
“People don’t care how much you know – until they know how much you care.”
-Teddy Roosevelt
When leaders (and in this case a head coach) demonstrate they genuinely care about each member of the team, it fosters a selfless environment where relationships and mutual acceptance become the norm. This is authenticity is truly a powerful force that inspires deep legitimate connections among team members. Even stronger than the sugar rush of a Honey Bun. McGuire is truly embodying an “open door” policy for this team. Each time any member of the team stops by for a tasty snack, it gives McGuire a chance to understand their normal moods, expressions, likes, dislikes, and what they are up to outside of football. He never actually recruited any players on the roster (outside of those just recently signed), so he is establishing new relationships with so many people.
How Does It Translate On the Field?
Honey Buns and Hot Cheetos are never going to directly result in an increase of wins in the Fall. For that matter, coaches all across college football use their own different motivation techniques/relationship building to foster the culture they strive for. Some work and some fall flat. Specifically to Texas Tech, its head coach has yet to lead a college football team in a game. But McGuire’s well-established reputation in the state appears to be a great foundation to secure this football program too. He appears to create strong relationships with anyone he comes in contact with. The football players on this team should not expect anything less. As all the Honey Buns And Hot Cheetos get consumed in his office, he is creating another buy-in one snack at a time. A suggestion for the coach the next time the snack bar gets low; Oatmeal Creme Pies, Nutty Buddies, and Cool Ranch Doritos would be a great addition.
