Coach Herb Brooks is primarily known for leading the 1980 US Olympic hockey team to a gold medal in Lake Placid, New York. He came from a modest background in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was an excellent hockey player, leading his high school squad to the Minnesota high school title in 1955. He went on to play at the University of Minnesota, and on several U.S. National and Olympic teams from 1962-70. He got into coaching and eventually took over at his alma mater in 1972, where he led the squad to an NCAA title just two years later. Brooks later entered the NHL coaching ranks, first with the New York Rangers, and later with the Minnesota North Stars. On the 39th anniversary of the incredible gold medal weekend, I examine his leadership qualities.
Herb Brooks was a compelling and charismatic leader. He motivated through his words. His words displayed his vision. Vision is one of the foundations of leadership. It suggests an image of ideal future conditions. It implies change and movement, and offers a guiding philosophy with meaning and purpose. What’s the evidence of Herb’s vision? He convinced a group of College kids that they were the greatest hockey team in the world, capable of beating the Soviet Union, and for two weeks in February of 1980, they believed him.
How did Herb interact with his players outside of pregame motivational speeches? He pushed his players hard, as this scene from “Miracle” shows.
He was definitely concerned about production and the bottom line. What about his concern for people? Rob McClanahan played for Herb Brooks for seven years in college, the NHL, and for the United States Olympic hockey team. He observed that “When Herb passed away there were hundreds of players at his funeral and every one of them would tell you they’d play for him tomorrow. He was a winner and that’s what you play sports for,” McClanahan said. “But candidly, I was afraid of him.” Ken Morrow, a defenseman on the 1980 team, stated that “He was the right guy at the right time to coach that team. I don’t think we would have won with anyone else, to me he goes down with Vince Lombardi and John Wooden and all the great coaches from other sports. He was innovative, 20-30 years ahead of his time. Everything he did could have backfired but he knew it was the way you had to play to beat those teams.” Coach Brooks was obviously concerned about performance, and used fear as a motivating tactic. However, he was a complex character also capable of showing interpersonal concern. He defended all his players against outside criticism and interference. He mentored his goalie-Jim Craig, after his mother died. He was patient in allowing players to rehabilitate from injuries. Coach Brooks displayed a high concern for production and an intermediate to high concern for people. Blake and Mouton, the creators of the grid, referred to this as the “team management” style, which they suggest is the best style.
Leadership is measured by influence. As the ending and credits to Miracle indicate(below) all the players on the 1980 Gold medal team achieved success in life. On this 39th anniversary of the Miracle in Lake Placid weekend, I offer thanks and praise.
Leadership Off the Grid 