The Art of Resetting: What Chris Fagan’s 20km Walk Teaches Us About Leadership
There’s something profoundly human about the image of Chris Fagan, the Brisbane Lions’ coach, walking 20 kilometers on a Sunday, phone glued to his ear, dialing player after player. It’s not just a story about a coach fixing a team’s slump—it’s a masterclass in leadership, vulnerability, and the art of resetting. Personally, I think this anecdote reveals far more about Fagan’s philosophy than any post-game press conference ever could.
The Power of One-on-One Connection
What makes this particularly fascinating is Fagan’s approach to crisis management. Instead of a team-wide dressing down or a tactical overhaul, he opts for individual conversations. In a sport where collective effort reigns supreme, this feels counterintuitive. But here’s the thing: by isolating each player’s perspective, Fagan doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he rebuilds trust. What many people don’t realize is that in high-pressure environments, the human element often gets lost. Fagan’s 20-odd phone calls weren’t just about strategy; they were about reminding his players that they’re seen, heard, and valued.
The Myth of Consistency
One thing that immediately stands out is Fagan’s candid admission that even after seven consecutive wins, a collapse like the Carlton loss can happen. It’s a reminder that consistency is a myth in professional sports. Teams, like individuals, have bad days. What this really suggests is that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how quickly you can recover. Fagan’s ability to pivot from a 76-point loss to a 67-point win against Hawthorn isn’t just tactical brilliance; it’s emotional intelligence in action.
The Psychology of Reflection
A detail that I find especially interesting is Fagan’s decision to barely review the Carlton game. In a results-driven industry, this feels almost heretical. But if you take a step back and think about it, over-analyzing failure can sometimes amplify it. Fagan’s approach—focusing on individual reflections rather than collective blame—shifts the narrative from what went wrong to how do we move forward? This raises a deeper question: how often do we, in our own lives, get stuck replaying mistakes instead of recalibrating for the next challenge?
The Three-Peat Dream and Its Hidden Costs
Fagan’s pursuit of a rare three-peat with the Lions is more than a sporting achievement—it’s a psychological marathon. From my perspective, the pressure to maintain dominance is as much about managing expectations as it is about winning games. What’s often misunderstood is that dynasties aren’t built on flawless performances but on the ability to reset after setbacks. Fagan’s 20km walk wasn’t just about fixing a loss; it was about reinforcing the culture that sustains long-term success.
The Broader Lesson: Leadership as a Verb
If there’s one takeaway from Fagan’s story, it’s this: leadership isn’t a title—it’s an action. Whether it’s walking 20 kilometers or making 20 phone calls, it’s about showing up, even when the stakes are high. In a world obsessed with quick fixes, Fagan’s methodical, human-centric approach feels almost revolutionary. Personally, I think this is a lesson that transcends sports. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just yourself, the ability to pause, connect, and reset might be the most underrated skill of all.
Final Thought
As the Lions gear up for another Q-Clash, the three-peat remains within reach. But what’s more compelling is the blueprint Fagan has laid out: leadership isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how you respond to it. And sometimes, that response looks a lot like a long walk and a series of honest conversations. If you ask me, that’s a strategy we could all stand to borrow.
