As someone born and raised in Chicago, I’ve been a lifelong Bears fan. Fun fact: my sister was born the day the ’85 Bears won the Super Bowl. Seven head coaches, 43 quarterbacks and nearly 40 years later, it finally feels like the Bears have found their guy in head coach Ben Johnson.

Coming into the 2025 season, the Bears were fresh off a disappointing 5-9 record. Fast forward to today with Johnson at the helm the team finished the regular season 11-6 and is the second seed in the NFC heading into the playoffs. The turnaround has been impressive—and while talent and execution matter, many point to leadership as the real catalyst. Watching this transformation got me thinking: what can managers in any industry learn from Ben Johnson’s coaching style?

Accountability Creates Excellence

One of Johnson’s defining traits is his insistence on high standards. Players are held accountable—not to punish mistakes, but to unlock their potential. Expectations are clear, effort is non-negotiable and performance is measured honestly.

For managers, this is a reminder that accountability creates clarity. When people understand what “great” looks like and know they’ll be held to it consistently, performance rises. Teams don’t resent high standards—they resent ambiguity.

A Steady Demeanor Builds Trust

Johnson is known for his calm, even-keeled presence on game day. Win or lose, his approach remains consistent. That steadiness creates confidence, allowing players to stay focused and execute without panic.

In any workplace, leaders set the tone. When managers remain calm under pressure, they provide a sense of stability that allows teams to focus and perform. Teams respond best when they aren’t constantly reacting to ups and downs at the top. Calm leadership enables clear thinking, smarter decisions and sustained momentum.

Adaptability Is a Leadership Superpower

While Johnson brings a strong offensive philosophy, he adapts schemes to fit his players, even if that means tearing things down and rebuilding—as seen in how he’s developed the offense around quarterback Caleb Williams.

Great managers do the same. They don’t force people into rigid processes that no longer serve the team. Instead they adapt strategies to talent, circumstances, and goals.

Fundamentals Drive Results

Johnson is famously detail-oriented, believing that excellence comes from mastering the basics.

For leaders, this reinforces an often-overlooked truth: results are built on fundamentals. Clear communication, preparation, follow-through and consistency matter more than flashy ideas. When leaders prioritize the small things, big outcomes follow.

Innovation Keeps Teams Ahead

Johnson’s offensive creativity isn’t about flashy trick plays for their own sake. Every design is intentional, with plays that may look the same but deliver different outcomes—keeping defenses off balance. Innovation in his system is always intentional and rooted in strategy. 

Managers can adopt the same mindset by encouraging thoughtful experimentation. True innovation isn’t about chasing every new trend; it’s about discovering smarter, more effective ways to achieve goals, with intention behind every change.

Watching Ben Johnson’s coaching style and the Bears’ success this season has reminded me what it takes to be a good leader. You won’t get everything right all the time, but it’s the constant desire to improve that matters—setting high expectations, providing clarity, staying steady, and supporting your team so they can do their best work. Leadership is about creating the conditions for success. 

The real question for any manager is simple: are you leading in a way that allows your team to win?

‍