The NFL isn’t really my cup of tea. However, a recent article about the leadership of the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach caught my attention.

Nick Sirianni came to Philadelphia two years ago and started inauspiciously, with an awkward performance at his introduction to the media. But his coaching philosophy got the Eagles to the sport’s championship game in only two seasons.

Sirianni emphasizes accountability for everyone on the team, himself included, first. He sets a clear standard for performance and supports players and coaches to meet that standard.

He also stresses getting to know his players, and his players getting to know each other. He says “When you build these connections, right, you end up, you’ll end up pushing a little bit harder for someone that you know and someone that you care for and someone that you love.”

Caring? Love? In professional football? Yes. Caring about what your teammates are doing and, equally as important, caring about how they’re doing. Treating them as people.

This philosophy turned a franchise around. While the Eagles lost the Super Bowl, the nevertheless had a tremendously successful season, and remain a high-caliber team.

Accountability and connection. Two key ingredients in building and leading successful teams.

As an introverted leader, how have you harnessed accountability and caring in your work? Drop a line in the comments.