Sometimes Leadership Looks a Little Silly
The week I moved into the dorms my freshman year at the University of Oregon, ESPN’s College Gameday made its first trip to Eugene. A half-dozen new friends and I woke up at 5 a.m. to trek across campus and be part of the live filming of the iconic pregame show.
At the end of every show, the analysts make their predictions, culminating with Lee Corso making his famous pick by donning the mascot head of the team he thinks will win. That day, he put on the Oregon Duck head, the crowd went wild, and later the Ducks went on to upset #6 UCLA, 29-10. It was a day that launched my college experience and one I’ll never forget.
Lee Corso wearing the mascot head of his winning team pick
Corso began his headgear tradition in 1996, when he begged Ohio State to let him wear the Buckeye mascot head. That one small, playful decision sparked a tradition that would define his career and elevate College Gameday into must-watch television. Over the years, the antics grew; full costumes, live animals, celebrity guests, and fans kept tuning in to see what he’d do next.
Before he became a tv personality, Corso had a storied career as a player and a coach. He is someone I have always admired and an icon that will forever be synonymous with college football. This past weekend, at 91 years old, Corso made his final headgear pick, capping nearly thirty years of joy, humor, and unforgettable entertainment on ESPN.
So what does this have to do with leadership? Corso was willing to do something different. A little silly. A little risky. And it made him legendary.
Too often, we play it safe. We default to the familiar. But leadership, like life, rewards those bold enough to try something new, even when it feels uncomfortable. Not every idea will stick. But if you keep putting yourself (and your team) out there with courage and creativity, one of those ideas just might change everything
So here’s the challenge: where can you take a bold swing this week (or even a small one) that could spark something bigger?
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. DON’T PLAY IT SAFE! Join us at our MIBE Summit in January.
