The Art of Resetting: What Chris Fagan’s 20km Walk Teaches Us About Leadership
There’s something profoundly human about the image of a coach walking 20 kilometers, phone in hand, dialing up his players one by one. Chris Fagan, the Brisbane Lions’ mastermind, did just that after a crushing 76-point loss to Carlton. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction but a deliberate, methodical reset. Fagan’s approach isn’t just about tactics—it’s about psychology, connection, and the subtle art of leadership in high-pressure environments.
The Power of Individual Conversations
One thing that immediately stands out is Fagan’s decision to bypass the typical team debrief. Instead of rehashing the Carlton loss as a group, he opted for one-on-one calls. Personally, I think this is where his genius lies. In a sport where collective accountability is preached, Fagan understands that individual perspectives matter. What many people don’t realize is that group meetings can often dilute personal responsibility. By isolating each player’s thoughts, Fagan creates a safe space for honesty—a rarity in the hyper-competitive world of AFL.
If you take a step back and think about it, this approach is counterintuitive. Why not rally the troops together? But Fagan’s method reveals a deeper truth: sometimes, the most effective way to fix a team is to address its parts. It’s like tuning an orchestra—each instrument needs individual attention before the symphony can harmonize.
The Human Factor in High-Stakes Sport
What this really suggests is that even the most successful teams are vulnerable to off days. The Lions’ seven-game winning streak was derailed by a single performance, and Fagan’s response wasn’t to overreact but to humanize the situation. “We’re all human,” he said, and that’s a detail I find especially interesting. In a culture that often deifies athletes, Fagan reminds us of their fallibility.
This raises a deeper question: how do we reconcile the pursuit of perfection with the reality of imperfection? Fagan’s answer is simple yet profound—acknowledge it, address it, and move on. There’s no dwelling, no over-analysis. Just honest conversations and a shared commitment to improvement.
The Psychology of Resetting
From my perspective, Fagan’s 20km walk is more than a physical act—it’s a metaphor for the mental journey required to reset. Walking has long been associated with clarity and reflection, and Fagan’s decision to combine it with individual check-ins is brilliant. It’s as if he’s saying, “Let’s slow down, breathe, and figure this out together.”
What makes this approach even more compelling is its scalability. Whether you’re leading a sports team, a corporate department, or a family, the principle remains the same: sometimes, the best way to fix a collective problem is to address it one person at a time.
The Broader Implications for Leadership
If there’s one takeaway from Fagan’s story, it’s that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. By the time he finished his 20-odd phone calls, Fagan didn’t just understand his players’ thoughts; he aligned them with his vision. This is where many leaders falter. They assume alignment instead of actively fostering it.
In my opinion, Fagan’s approach should be a playbook for anyone in a leadership role. It’s not about micromanaging but about creating a culture of trust and accountability. And trust me, in a world where burnout and disengagement are rampant, this kind of leadership is more valuable than ever.
Looking Ahead: The Three-Peat Dream
As the Lions gear up for another Q-Clash, the three-peat remains a tantalizing possibility. But what’s more intriguing is how Fagan’s methods will fare under the pressure of a finals campaign. Will his reset strategy hold up when the stakes are highest? Personally, I think it will. Fagan’s strength lies in his ability to adapt without losing sight of his core principles.
What this really suggests is that the Lions’ success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience, communication, and a shared belief in the process. And if there’s one thing Fagan has mastered, it’s the art of resetting.
Final Thought
If you take anything away from Fagan’s 20km walk, let it be this: leadership isn’t about grand gestures or tough talk. It’s about showing up, listening, and reminding people of their potential. In a world that often prioritizes results over relationships, Fagan’s approach is a refreshing reminder of what truly matters.
And who knows? Maybe the next time you’re facing a setback, a long walk and a few honest conversations might be all you need to reset.
