My hometown football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, was the last team standing in the way of the Kansas City Chiefs making history in the recent Super Bowl LIX. The Chiefs were on the brink of becoming the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls, following their victory over the 49ers last year and (unfortunately) a win over the Eagles two years ago. But the Birds were able to stop the streak this year with a dominating win over the Chiefs, giving the team retribution for the heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl LVII.
While we will undoubtedly hear more about the team’s strategies and player mindsets in the weeks to come, it is the team’s very first Super Bowl win in 2018 that serves as the inspiration for this post. Back then, the Eagles triumphed over the heavily favored New England Patriots with backup quarterback Nick Foles at the helm – a victory attributed largely to his unique leadership style.
Understanding the Foles Phenomenon
Foles stepped in after starting quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a torn ACL. Many fans assumed the season was lost. However, Foles guided the Eagles through the playoffs and delivered Philadelphia its first-ever Super Bowl championship. His success was not just about athletic prowess; it was about leadership grounded in emotional intelligence and resilience.
Great Teams Thrive on Trust
Foles’ story is more than just an underdog tale. As an executive coach, watching him after that Super Bowl win felt like attending a masterclass in leadership. He showcased emotional intelligence – the ability to harness emotions as an asset rather than a hindrance. When asked how he managed high-pressure situations, Foles simply said “It’s just belief in one another.”
This belief system is rooted in psychological safety and trust – critical components for any high-performing team. Psychological safety is the belief that you can express your thoughts and make mistakes without fear of punishment or judgment.
A study highlighted by the Harvard Business School identifies four research-backed steps that leaders can take to cultivate psychological safety among their employees. The term has been around since the 1950s, but it became mainstream in 2012 when Google’s research identified psychological safety as a key component in successful teams.
Additionally, studies have shown that executives who cultivate an environment of trust empower their teams to innovate, collaborate, and excel, even under intense pressure.
A Collective Effort
Foles highlighted the importance of teamwork during his post-game interview: “I think the big thing that helped me was knowing I didn’t have to be Superman. I have amazing teammates and amazing coaches around me. And all I had to do was just go play as hard as I could, and play for one another, and play for those guys.”
For executives, this perspective is transformative. Leadership is not about being the hero who carries the team on their back. It is about recognizing and valuing the contributions of others, fostering trust, and inspiring collective success. Leaders who understand this create resilient organizations where everyone feels their role is vital to the mission.
Poise Under Pressure: Lessons for Executives
Foles’ leadership offers several actionable lessons:
- Reframing Failure as Growth: Foles treated failure as a natural part of growth. Executives can adopt this mindset by encouraging a culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, not setbacks. This approach fosters innovation and calculated risk-taking.
- Fostering Psychological Safety: Create an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas, admit mistakes and vulnerabilities, and take responsibility without fear of blame or judgment. Normalize conversations around challenges and setbacks to build a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
- Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Foles’ resilience and self-awareness demonstrate the power of high emotional intelligence. Leaders who manage their emotions effectively and respond thoughtfully to others can navigate high-pressure situations with clarity and composure.
- Leading by Example: Foles’ transparency about his journey – including setbacks – builds authenticity and trust and sets a powerful example. Executives who share their firsthand experiences, including failures, foster a culture of vulnerability and courage, inspiring teams to embrace challenges head-on.
As an executive coach, I guide leaders to integrate these principles into their leadership style. Resilience, psychological safety, and emotional intelligence are not just buzzwords; they are the foundation of high-performing, cohesive teams. Leaders who prioritize team cohesion and acknowledge that success is a collective effort are the true champions – both on and off the field.