FROM THE BLEACHERS
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Leadership and Design
Whether on the field or in the classroom, success is never accidental. It’s the result of inspired leadership, intentional design, and a shared belief that great things are possible. That’s when the magic happens, programs are reborn, people begin to believe again, and winning becomes more than a goal; it becomes a culture. It is designed.
Over the years of writing From the Bleachers, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many administrative and leadership roles. Each has taught me to be thoughtful about what I write. My columns are never meant to carry hidden messages, but now and then, colleagues or employees have wondered if I was referring to them. The truth is, any article about leadership touches us all in some way, and that’s really the point. Leadership affects everyone.
In my current role as a college president, I have the opportunity to work alongside talented and dedicated people. I’m fortunate to receive great ideas from them, and this week one stood out: leadership and design truly go hand in hand.
Why do programs fall, and how do they rise again? The answer often comes down to two things, leadership and design. Successful programs are built that way. Leadership provides the tools, people, and vision that form the foundation of success. When the right leader combines those tools with energy and expertise, even the most struggling program can come back to life.
One example comes from a Central Texas school district that had only a couple of winning seasons in thirty years. Then, a redesigned administrative approach and new leadership produced twenty winning seasons, eight district titles, and two state final appearances. Later, after a shift in administrative and board philosophy, the program cycled through four head coaches in six years and posted a record of 18–43, five straight losing seasons.
This school year, the district welcomed a new superintendent and several newly elected board members, marking the beginning of a redesigned philosophy and a fresh direction. One of the superintendent’s first moves was hiring former assistant Rodney Southern, a decision grounded in trust, alignment, and leadership. With one regular-season game remaining, the team stands at 7–2 and has earned a spot in the state playoffs. The stadium is full again, and the community’s excitement is unmistakable.
In addition, during the 2024–25 school year, the district faced a failed bond election. Under this new administration, transparent communication and a clear design for the district were shared with the community. The result: the bond has now passed.
This is what happens when leadership and design come together, confidence is restored, momentum builds, and communities move forward.
Thought for the Week, “Great leaders don’t just manage, they design. They build systems, empower the right people, and provide the tools for success.” Lindsay Hill, Fort Scott Community College Foundation Director
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.