Talent Isn’t Always the Problem
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold entered the NFL with high expectations. Drafted first and third overall, respectively, both had stellar college careers and were seen as can’t-miss prospects. Yet their early professional years were anything but smooth. Mayfield bounced around teams, while Darnold struggled to find his footing.
Fast forward to the 2024 NFL season, and both quarterbacks experienced career highs:
- Mayfield: Over 4,500 passing yards (3rd in the NFL), 41 touchdowns (Tied for 2nd in the NFL), franchise records for completion percentage and passer rating, and a division championship with Tampa Bay.
- Darnold: A 14-3 season with the Minnesota Vikings, achieving the second-best record in franchise history, with passing numbers not too far behind Mayfield.
What changed?
It wasn’t their talent. It was their environment.
Their stories offer powerful lessons for you and me: When someone struggles, the problem may not be their ability—it could be the culture around them.
What Surrounds a Leader Can Make or Break the Leader
Organizations function like ecosystems. A mismatched or toxic culture can stifle even the most talented individuals. For Mayfield and Darnold, it wasn’t a lack of skill holding them back—it was being in systems that didn’t fit their strengths.
Leaders often face the same challenge. When a team member underperforms, the reflex is to assume they’re the issue. Rarely do we pause to ask, “Is this environment setting them up to succeed?”
Two Strategies for Unlocking Potential
1. Adjust Your Approach
Great leaders adapt their style to fit their team’s needs.
Take Sean McVay’s handling of Mayfield during his time with the Rams. McVay simplified the playbook, focused on Mayfield’s strengths, and created opportunities to rebuild his confidence. The result? A revitalized quarterback.
Ask yourself:
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- Do you know your team well enough to leverage their strengths?
- Are you providing clarity and confidence-building opportunities?
Tailoring your leadership style isn’t about lowering expectations; it’s about unlocking potential. People thrive when they feel seen, supported, and empowered.
2. Know When a Fresh Start is Needed
Sometimes, the best solution is a change of scenery.
Darnold’s transformation didn’t happen until he joined the Vikings. No amount of tweaks in New York or Carolina would have worked—he needed a new culture to flourish.
Leaders must discern when someone’s gifts don’t align with the current environment. Helping someone transition to a better-fit role or organization isn’t failure; it’s wisdom.
Questions Every Leader Should Ask
Before placing blame, reflect on these questions:
- Am I setting my team up for success?
- Have I adjusted my approach to their strengths?
- Is the culture empowering or hindering them?
Often, the issue isn’t a lack of talent but a lack of fit. By investing in the right environment or helping someone transition, you can rewrite their narrative.
Conclusion: Rewriting the Narrative
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold’s success stories remind us of a crucial truth: Struggling leaders don’t always lack talent—they lack the right environment.
As a leader, you have the power to create cultures where people thrive. The question is, will you? Take the time to evaluate your approach, invest in your team’s strengths, and build an ecosystem of growth. When you stop blaming the player, you might discover untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.
Call to Action
- Reflect on your current team: Who might be struggling due to a poor fit?
- Challenge yourself to adapt your leadership to better support their strengths.
Quotes for Inspiration
- “Leadership isn’t about fitting people into a system; it’s about shaping the system to unlock their potential.”
- “Sometimes, it’s not about changing the leader—it’s about changing their environment.”
Resources for Further Learning
- “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle
- Carey Nieuwhof’s Leadership Podcast
- Jon Acuff’s book, “Do Over”
- Article, “You Can’t Win Without The Right Teammates (Just Ask Matthew Stafford)“
One More Thing…
If you found this helpful, please pass it along to other leaders (and encourage them to subscribe!).
If you’re ready to accelerate your leadership, I’d be honored to help. Visit gavinadams.com to explore my systemic approach to leadership development and schedule a 30-minute conversation.
If you’re a church leader, be sure to visit the Church Accelerator Community.
Leading With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams
