By John Gronski
Recently, I listened to a February 2026 press conference held by Matt Campbell, the new head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. I always enjoy hearing what fellow leaders have to say. Leadership lessons are everywhere if we are willing to listen with intention. We can learn from people we respect—even if they never realize they are mentoring us. Every press conference, interview, or public comment can contain insights for those who are paying attention.
As I listened to Coach Campbell, his comments sparked reflection. These are not necessarily his exact words, but what he said led me to think more deeply about three important leadership lessons that apply far beyond the football field.
1. If you must choose, choose character over talent.
Both character and talent matter in a teammate. High-performing teams need competence. However, if forced to prioritize one, choose character.
By adulthood, character is largely formed and difficult to reshape. Skills, on the other hand, can be taught, refined, and strengthened over time. Talent can be developed through coaching, discipline, and experience. Character—especially trustworthiness—forms the foundation upon which everything else is built.
In my experience, it is nearly impossible to work effectively with someone I do not trust. Trust enables collaboration, honest dialogue, accountability, and unity of effort. Without trust, even the most talented individuals can fracture a team. With trust, average talent can rise to extraordinary levels because people work for one another, not just for themselves.
Character sustains performance when adversity strikes—and adversity always comes.
2. Change is inevitable—growth is a choice.
The only constant in life is change. Leaders must not only accept this reality but prepare their teams to navigate it. Whether in sports, business, or the military, environments evolve. Personnel changes. Strategies shift. Circumstances demand adaptation.
Because change will occur whether we welcome it or not, the real question becomes: How will we respond?
The best teams learn to negotiate change effectively. They remain focused on the mission while adjusting their methods. They see change as an opportunity to improve rather than a threat to comfort.
Few things hinder progress more than a teammate who resists every adjustment, complains about new directions, or clings to “the way we used to do it.” Negativity spreads quickly. On the other hand, resilience and optimism are equally contagious. Leaders must model adaptability and encourage a mindset that views change as a pathway to growth.
3. Recruit for values, not pedigree.
Finding the right people for the team is one of a leader’s most critical responsibilities. Résumés, statistics, and past accolades may impress, but they do not tell the whole story.
Leaders should seek individuals who share the organization’s core values, fit the culture, are team-oriented, demonstrate a genuine desire to serve others, and possess grit. Those traits create cohesion. They strengthen trust. They sustain performance during difficult seasons.
Pedigree may open the door, but character and commitment determine whether someone stays in the room. Talent without humility can divide a team. Talent aligned with shared values can elevate everyone.
Great teams are built intentionally. They are not assembled solely on ability; they are formed around shared purpose.
Leadership wisdom surrounds us daily. The key is to listen carefully, reflect thoughtfully, and apply what we learn. When we approach life with that mindset, every conversation becomes a classroom—and every leader we respect becomes a teacher.
What qualities do you prioritize when building your team?
About John Gronski
Major General John L. Gronski (U.S. Army Retired) is the founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC, a leadership consulting firm. John is the author of three books, “Iron-Sharpened Leadership”, “Leadership Sharpeners”, and “The Ride of Our Lives”, and is an international and Fortune 500 speaker. Learn more about John at https://johngronski.com/
Continue To Learn
Visit JohnGronski.com to access free leadership development resources, including a free downloadable leadership pamphlet, John’s YouTube Channel, and John’s leadership blog. Order John’s books by visiting Amazon.
