The Power of Continuity: Lessons from the Transfer Portal
The Power of Continuity: Lessons from the Transfer Portal Era
Let’s face it, we are living in a hyper-competitive world. Every weekend I hear stories about players moving between college football teams, and it makes me think about how it relates to businesses. Teams are often caught between two approaches: assembling a group of all-star talent or building continuity among team members.
The recent rise of the transfer portal in college football serves as a compelling case study for organizations and leaders looking to maximize performance.
The Allure of All-Stars
In college football, the transfer portal has made it easier than ever for programs to recruit top-tier athletes who want immediate playing time or a better chance to win. It’s a high-stakes game of talent acquisition, much like how companies are always striving for the best talent.
The attraction is clear: star players—or star employees—can single-handedly shift outcomes, bring expertise, and elevate the visibility of the team. However, this “quick fix” approach comes with challenges. All-stars often focus on personal achievements, and integrating them into a cohesive unit can disrupt team dynamics. If this rings true, I can tell you that I myself have been in this situation when hiring employees for my own teams.
The Quiet Power of Continuity
While talent is critical, the most successful college football teams often lean on continuity—players who stay with the program, develop within the system and foster long-term relationships with teammates and coaches. These teams might lack a roster packed with headline-making names, but they possess an edge that can’t be easily quantified: trust, synergy, and a shared culture.
Continuity builds a deep understanding of roles and expectations, allowing for seamless collaboration. It also creates a sense of loyalty and commitment that’s difficult to replicate when team members are moving in and out. In a business context, these are the employees who deeply understand the company’s mission, trust their coworkers, and are willing to go the extra mile for collective success.
What Leaders Can Learn from the Transfer Portal
Focus on Culture Over Talent Alone
College football programs that thrive in the transfer portal era prioritize cultural fit alongside talent. Similarly, in business, hiring a highly skilled employee who doesn’t align with your team’s values can be more harmful than beneficial. Leaders must emphasize shared goals, mutual respect, and adaptability when building their teams.Invest in Development
Teams that prioritize continuity often invest in developing their current players rather than constantly looking outward for a quick fix. Organizations should do the same by creating opportunities for upskilling, mentorship, and leadership development within their existing workforce. When employees see a clear path for growth, they’re more likely to stay and contribute to the team’s long-term success.Build Relationships, Not Transactions
The transfer portal has highlighted how transactional relationships can weaken a team’s foundation. Teams that succeed despite player turnover often have a core group of leaders and players who anchor the team’s identity. Similarly, organizations should focus on building deep, meaningful relationships with employees to foster loyalty and cohesion.Celebrate Collective Wins
In football, just like business, success is rarely the result of one individual’s performance. Leaders should emphasize the value of teamwork and celebrate collective accomplishments. This reinforces the idea that everyone plays a role in the team’s success and fosters a sense of belonging.
Continuity vs. All-Stars: Striking the Balance
The debate isn’t about ignoring top talent—it’s about how to integrate them effectively without compromising the team’s core identity. Just as the best football programs blend new talent with returning players who understand the system, successful businesses strike a balance between hiring external experts and nurturing internal talent.
Conclusion: Winning with Continuity
The transfer portal and NIL has undoubtedly transformed college sports, offering players more agency over their careers and personal brands. While I understand its intent—granting athletes flexibility and financial ability - it also raises concerns about commitment and resilience, which are valuable not just in sports, but in life.
This era in college football highlights an essential truth for leadership and team development: while talent may win headlines, continuity builds legacies. For organizations, the lesson is clear. Invest in your people, prioritize relationships, and focus on creating a cohesive team culture. All-stars may shine brightly, but it’s continuity that delivers sustainable success.
By applying these principles, leaders can build teams that are resilient, adaptable, and capable of achieving greatness—not just once, but consistently over time.
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