Many believe that sports naturally develop character, that businesses uphold values, and that families instill morals. But the truth is, none of these environments inherently shape people into individuals of integrity—unless the leaders within them intentionally teach and model strong character.
This idea is powerfully reflected in InsideOut Coaching by Joe Ehrmann, who states that playing sports doesn’t develop character unless the coach possesses character and intentionally teaches it. This principle applies far beyond sports—to business, leadership, parenting, and society as a whole. If leaders don’t actively embody and instill strong moral values, people will instead be shaped by outside forces—often ones that prioritize winning, profit, or influence over ethics.
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The Ruthless Nature of Sports: Winning at Any Cost
Sports are often seen as a vehicle for personal growth, teamwork, and discipline. However, without the right leadership, they can also foster unethical behavior. Consider the case of the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal in Major League Baseball. The team’s use of technology to cheat during games sent a clear message: winning was more important than integrity. This wasn’t an individual player’s decision—it was a culture set by leadership.
Contrast this with legendary coach John Wooden, who prioritized character over victory. Wooden’s philosophy was simple: “Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.” He built his UCLA basketball dynasty not just by coaching skills but by instilling values like honesty, respect, and discipline. His players didn’t just leave as better athletes—they left as better people.
When Businesses Fail to Uphold Their Own Values
Many organizations promote core values such as integrity, respect, and accountability, but too often, these words are nothing more than marketing slogans. Take the infamous collapse of Enron, a company that had “integrity” listed as one of its core values. Despite this, its leadership engaged in widespread fraud, costing employees their jobs, retirement savings, and financial security.
On the other hand, companies like Patagonia demonstrate how leadership can model ethical behavior. Patagonia has built a culture around sustainability and ethical business practices, even encouraging customers to buy less to reduce waste. This isn’t just a corporate talking point—it’s a principle that is consistently lived out by its leaders.
The Impact of Leadership on Families and Society
Families are supposed to be the foundation of moral development, but just like in sports and business, character isn’t built automatically. If parents don’t actively model and teach values, children will absorb their lessons from society, social media, and television instead.
Consider the rise in high-profile family scandals, from politicians caught in infidelity to celebrities promoting harmful behavior. Many of these individuals claim to value family, yet their actions contradict their words. Without intentional leadership at home, children struggle to develop a strong moral foundation, leading to issues like identity crises, entitlement, and ethical confusion.
Contrast this with families that prioritize integrity and accountability. For example, NBA star Stephen Curry credits his father, Dell Curry, for teaching him humility, discipline, and respect—not just through words, but through daily actions. The result? A leader on and off the court who exemplifies what it means to be a role model.
Leadership is a Responsibility—Not a Title
Whether you’re a coach, CEO, parent, or teacher, you are shaping the people around you. The question is: Are you shaping them with intention, or are they being shaped by external forces?
If we want businesses to uphold ethics, teams to play with integrity, and families to raise strong individuals, we must lead by example. This means:
✅ Living out the values we expect from others
✅ Holding ourselves and others accountable to high moral standards
✅ Intentionally teaching and reinforcing ethical behavior
Sports, businesses, and families don’t build character on their own. It takes leaders who embody and teach it. Be the leader who sets the standard, and you’ll see the culture around you transform.
Final Thought: Are You Leading With Integrity?
Character isn’t taught through words alone—it’s demonstrated through actions. Ask yourself:
- Am I modeling the values I expect from others?
- What influences are shaping my team, family, or organization?
- How can I be more intentional about teaching and reinforcing strong character?
The next generation—and the future of our businesses, teams, and families—depends on the leaders who guide them today. Be the leader who makes a difference.