«Get the right guys on the bus, get them in the right seats, and get the wrong guys of the bus«

Nick Saban’s legendary coaching career offers a masterclass in building winning cultures, and his insights cut straight to the heart of what separates successful organizations from mediocre ones. His observation that «mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers do not like mediocre people» reveals a fundamental truth about human nature and organizational dynamics. This isn’t about elitism—it’s about compatibility of mindsets and work ethics.

«Mediocre people don´t like high achievers, and high achievers do not like mediocre people»

When you mix people who are content with «good enough» alongside those who relentlessly pursue excellence, you create friction, resentment, and ultimately, failure. Saban understood that sustainable success requires everyone in the organization to embrace the same uncompromising standards, because as he put it:

«So if everybody does not buy the same principles, high standards,… you are never going to be successful»

The Alabama coach’s philosophy extends beyond just identifying talent—it’s about creating the right ecosystem for that talent to thrive. His reference to getting «the right guys on the bus, get them in the right seats, and get the wrong guys off the bus» speaks to the courage required of true leaders to make difficult personnel decisions. It’s not enough to have skilled individuals; you need people who are genuinely committed to collective excellence.

«You can never have any team chemistry in your organization if everybody is not committed to the same standards and the same things«

Saban’s emphasis that «you can never have any team chemistry in your organization if everybody is not committed to the same standards and the same things» highlights why many organizations struggle despite having capable people. True team chemistry isn’t born from friendship or shared interests—it emerges when every member genuinely commits to the same level of excellence and accountability, creating an environment where high achievers can push each other to even greater heights.

Nick Saban gives us so many lessons about Corporate Culture in just one minute! The rest of the speech is even more insightful!