February 08, 2023 | Read Online

How Nick Sirianni Overcame a Disastrous First Impression

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni appeared ill prepared for his new job at his introductory press conference two years ago. But he overcame it.

When Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni stepped before local reporters for the first time 24 months ago, he looked dazed, confused and ill-prepared for his new job.

"We're going to have systems in place that are easier to learn, complicated to the defense or offense or special teams group that they're going against but easy for us to learn," Sirianni said during a bumbling 45-minute press conference.

"Less thinking equals talent take over. But we need to have systems in place, and we will have systems in place."

The Eagles' fan base is passionate, forming instant opinions, and because Sirianni wasn't a well-known assistant coach, he left many wondering if the franchise had selected the right coach.

Sirianni knew afterward he wasn't ready, that he wasn't comfortable. Despite his extensive preparation for the big event, he didn't allow his storytelling ability to shine.

It's been two years since that inaugural press conference, and much has changed. Sirianni now has his team in the Super Bowl and has conveyed to all of us that the first impression he made wasn't reflective of who he is.

But it could've been fatal.

Matthew Dicks' book "Storyworthy" give strategies on how to tell our story to gain a favorable first impression. To Dicks, it's important at an event like an introductory press conference to share your life story, how you were able to gain a position of this magnitude.

According to him, a career journey should include:

“I was once this, but now I am this.”
“I once thought this, but now I think this.”
“I once felt this, but now I feel this.”

“Telling stories about your life lets people know they’re not alone," Dicks writes.

So, how do we do this?

START WITH AN ACTION: If Sirianni began his press conference by saying he was in the middle of preparation for next season when Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie called to offer this position, he would have engaged his audience with action.

MISDIRECT: Sirianni then could share how he planned to be successful, how he was prepared for the questions he thought were coming from the Eagles' interviewing committee, then revealed the interview went against his plan, and he had to adjust.

PAUSE AND BIG REVEAL: Sirianni should have worked his way to the end of the story, then slowed down and paused, resisting the temptation to reveal how he earned the job. Then, he'd have been wise to reveal the big moment, sharing a deeply personal and vulnerable yet relatable story that would establish a strong connection between him and his audience.

Every day, we, in one way or another, tell a story to those we lead.

How we shape our stories helps us gain traction, keeping everyone acutely engaged. The best storytellers are the best leaders — and Dicks' book can provide tremendous insight into our ability to improve our messaging

Sirianni overcame his mistake and is now on the sport's biggest stage. Others won't be as fortunate.