Guest post by Heather Haro.
Let’s be honest—some leaders make it to the top despite themselves. Case in point: Jerry Jones. Sure, the man knows how to build a billion-dollar brand, but when it comes to leadership? Oof. The Dallas Cowboys owner has become the ultimate case study in what not to do. Decades of micromanaging, ego-driven decisions, and resistance to change have kept “America’s Team” from reaching its full potential.
If you’re running an organization, take note: leading like Jerry Jones might make you feel powerful, but it’s a surefire way to stall progress and frustrate your team.
Here’s how to avoid Jones’ leadership pitfalls and become the badass leader your team deserves.
1. Delegate Like a Pro, Not Like a Dictator
One of the biggest critiques of Jerry Jones is his refusal to relinquish control. Despite decades of underperformance, he insists on acting as the Cowboys’ general manager. This lack of delegation sends a clear message: “I don’t trust anyone else to make decisions.”
Here’s how to avoid Jones’ leadership pitfalls and become the badass leader your team deserves.
The Badass Leader Approach: Trust is the foundation of great leadership. Surround yourself with experts, empower them to lead in their areas of expertise, and step back to focus on the big picture. Your role isn’t to do everything—it’s to ensure the right people are in the right seats, driving the bus toward success.
Strategy: At the heart of badass leadership is structure—not rigidity, but systems that create clarity and confidence. I’ve been on both sides of the leadership game—as an employee and as a boss—and let me tell you, systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and the Scalable Operating System by Ryan Deiss create the kind of foundation that allows businesses to thrive. A badass leader doesn’t just wing it; they implement processes that drive accountability, trust, and efficiency. Whether it’s ensuring you have the right people in the right roles, defining clear responsibilities, or setting up regular check-ins to remove roadblocks, structured frameworks keep the machine running smoothly. The key is creating a culture where your team operates at its highest level without you needing to micromanage every move. When done right, these systems don’t just help businesses grow—they make scaling feel effortless.
2. Make Decisions for the Team, Not Your Ego
Jones’s controversial personnel decisions often feel more about asserting his authority than building a winning team. From firing legendary coach Tom Landry to making flashy draft picks, his choices sometimes seem designed to grab headlines rather than secure championships.
The Badass Leader Approach: Ego-driven leadership is a fast track to failure. Always ask yourself: “Will this decision serve my team’s best interests?” Then ask your team—not just those who always agree with you. You need honest feedback, not just nodding heads. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking, bring new ideas, and aren’t afraid to say, ‘Hey, that’s a bad idea.’ A true badass leader values honest input, even when it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes, the most impactful moves are the quiet, behind-the-scenes ones that prioritize substance over style.
Strategy: Use a decision-making framework that includes input from key stakeholders. Create a system for evaluating decisions based on their alignment with long-term goals. That means looking beyond quick wins and asking: Will this move get us where we want to go? Consider factors like ROI, team impact, and how well it aligns with your organization’s core values. If you’re unsure which framework works best for you, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Click here to grab a decision-making ebook that breaks it all down.
3. Prioritize People Over Profits
There’s no denying that Jerry Jones has turned the Cowboys into one of the most valuable franchises in sports. But his critics argue that his focus on branding and profitability comes at the expense of building a championship-caliber team, leaving his players overshadowed and his fans frustrated year after year.
The Badass Leader Approach: Success isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about the people who drive it. Invest in your team’s development, foster a positive culture, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. When your people thrive, your organization will too.
Strategy: Implement programs prioritizing employee well-being, such as professional development opportunities, mental health resources, and flexible work arrangements. Go beyond surface-level perks—invest in mentorship programs, leadership training, and career progression plans that show your team you’re serious about their growth. Regularly solicit feedback through surveys or one-on-one meetings, but don’t just collect responses—act on them. If multiple team members raise the same concerns, address them head-on and communicate what’s being done to improve. A thriving workforce isn’t just happy—it’s engaged, productive, and committed to your long-term success.
4. Embrace Change and Innovation
For nearly 30 years, the Cowboys have failed to adapt. Whether sticking with outdated coaching strategies or refusing to overhaul their approach to free agency, the team’s inability to evolve has been its Achilles’ heel.
The Badass Leader Approach: Great leaders are lifelong learners. They’re unafraid to pivot, embrace new ideas, and challenge the status quo. Don’t get stuck in “but this is how we’ve always done it” thinking. Instead, actively seek opportunities to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.
Strategy: Encourage a culture of lifelong learning because innovation and growth go hand in hand. Lisa and I believe our companies improve daily because we feverishly pursue learning and executing those lessons. Make continuous education a core part of your organization—whether through workshops, mentorship programs, or encouraging employees to seek new skills. Recognize and reward those who bring fresh ideas and take action on what they learn. Innovation becomes second nature when lifelong learning is embedded in your company culture.
Be the Badass Leader Your Team Deserves
The Dallas Cowboys’ struggles under Jerry Jones’ leadership offer a powerful lesson for anyone in charge of an organization. Micromanagement, ego-driven decisions, and resistance to change may bring short-term gains, but they’ll ultimately hold your team back.
Instead, be the badass leader your organization needs. Delegate wisely, prioritize people, embrace innovation, and lead with humility. Build a vision that inspires, fosters accountability, and invests in your team’s growth.
When you create a culture of trust, empowerment, and innovation, your team won’t just meet expectations—they’ll exceed them. Remember: It’s not about being the star. It’s about helping your team shine. That’s how you build a legacy worth celebrating.
Are You Fumbling Leadership Like Jerry Jones? Take the Quiz!
Instructions: Answer YES or NO to the following questions. Be honest—your team’s success depends on it!
1. Delegation & Systems
- Do you have a clear structure that allows your team to execute without you hovering?
- Do you trust your team to make decisions and handle responsibilities without micromanaging?
2. Decision-Making & Leadership
- Before making a big decision, do you actively seek honest feedback (not just “yes men”)?
- Do you prioritize long-term impact over short-term wins and ego-driven choices?
3. People & Culture
- Do you actively invest in your team’s growth through mentorship, training, or career development?
- Do you celebrate your team’s contributions meaningfully rather than taking all the credit?
4. Innovation & Growth
- Are you constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate instead of sticking to “this is how we’ve always done it”?
- Do you encourage lifelong learning and execution of new ideas within your organization?
5. Accountability & Execution
- When mistakes happen, do you focus on learning and solutions instead of pointing fingers?
- Do you set clear expectations and hold your team accountable without micromanaging?
Your Results
8-10 YES answers: You’re a Badass Leader!
You confidently lead and delegate like a pro, and your team trusts you. Keep up the momentum and continue leveling up!
5-7 YES answers: You’re a Solid Player, But There’s Room to Improve!
You’ve got strong leadership instincts, but there are areas to refine. Focus on strengthening your delegation, accountability, and decision-making to take your leadership game to the next level.
0-4 YES answers: You’re Fumbling Like Jerry Jones!
It’s time for a leadership overhaul! Are you empowering your team or calling all the plays without letting them execute? Start applying the strategies in this blog and step up your game.
Next Steps
🔥 Want to learn how to lead your pharmacy and team to success? We have all the tools and lessons at your disposal at Pharmacy Badass University! Sign up today and learn how to lead like a champ! https://membership.diversifyrx.com/
