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Episode 30

A CONVERSATION WITH 
MIKE FAVERO

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

LIFE, COACHING, AND LEADERSHIP WITH MIKE FAVERO

Mike Favero is a great example of success in simplicity.

 

Mike was head coach at Logan High School for many years, and is currently the Offense Analyst for the University of Utah’s football team.

 

During his time at Logan, Mike was determined to help his team achieve their potential. However instead of just pushing them harder like so many other coaches, he took a different approach.

 

He decided he was going to find the most effective and efficient ways to help his players be their best. And since the weight room is a critical part of football, he decided to start there.

 

After lots of research and talking with professionals, Mike discovered that the most effective exercise for his players would be power cleans, which exercised the most muscles necessary for contact sport performance.

 

At first, the players werent sure about Mike’s idea, especially because it meant spending less time on their beloved bench press. But Mike was determined, and even resorted to hiding the bench presses before the players arrived, and then returning them once they left.

 

His efforts paid off. Logan High went on to win 5 state championships, and Mike still gets asked constantly about exercise recommendations for players.

 

I’ve often found that those who succeed are able to take a complex thing and make it simple. And Mike’s example is a lesson to me on finding success in my own life.

“I’ve often found that those who succeed are able to take a complex thing and make it simple. And Mike’s example is a lesson to me on finding success in my own life.”

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COACHING ADVICE FROM MIKE:

Great players can’t make up for bad team culture.


 

I personally first met Mike back when he was head football coach at Logan, which happened to be my school’s rivals. Through his career he lead his team to win 5 state championships, and while I didn’t appreciate losing to them, I did admire and respect the incredible team culture they had built to succeed.

 

Here’s some advice he gave me on building a great culture:

 

  • Being a gracious winner is critical to success. You must respect the opponent and the game.

  • Don’t choose or vote on a captain. Let the natural leaders emerge as you play.

  • Forget motivation and focus on your processes. If you win the process, you’ll win the game.

  • You can have great players, but without a great culture, they won’t play well. They need to feel like they’re a part of something great.

  • Don’t set rules—set a standard of excellence. Instead of “Don’t be late,” say, “Champions are on time.”

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