How Unwashed Washcloths Demonstrate Effective Leadership

Real leadership doesn’t shame or sugarcoat. It solves.

Leadership Isn’t Always a Big Speech

Some of the best leadership moments happen in the most ordinary places — locker rooms, lunchrooms, hallway chats. Not in front of a slide deck.

Because leadership isn’t about sounding good. It’s about setting expectations, solving problems, and protecting your team’s time and dignity. Effective leadership doesn’t bail people out when they make mistakes or enable destructive habits. Rather, it allows them to experience the consequences for themselves and to decide whether or not they continue to tolerate them.

And sometimes? That starts with a washcloth.

1. The Problem No One Wanted to Own

During offseason training (OTAs), players arrived early and got into a routine. One of those routines? Using the team showers.

Each guy grabbed a washcloth — and when done, many left them on the floor.

The result? Custodial staff and equipment managers were stuck picking them up.
A small action — but repeated over time, it became a symbol of something bigger: Who’s expected to clean up after whom?
No one spoke up. But everyone noticed.

2. Vrabel’s Leadership Move: Direct, Decisive, Respectful

Coach Mike Vrabel didn’t yell. He didn’t send an email. He didn’t guilt-trip.

He simply said:

“Hey guys, washcloths have been a problem. I told the equipment staff that if they see them on the ground, just pick them up, don’t wash them, and just throw them in the dryer and we’ll put them right back out there for you. Because these guys don’t need to be picking up your dirty washcloths.”

No nagging. No shaming.
Just a boundary — and a consequence.
The message was clear: Respect each other’s roles. Clean up after yourself.

Problem solved. No more washcloth issues.

3. The Leadership Lesson: Fix the Culture You Permit

Here’s what Vrabel did right — and what many leaders overlook:

• He didn’t coddle or complain.
  He named the behavior, linked it to values (respect for staff), and introduced a natural consequence.

• He led with clarity, not confusion.
  No passive-aggressive hints. No anonymous complaints. Just a simple standard.

• He protected the team behind the team.
  Good leadership defends the invisible labor. Great leadership prevents it.

4. What Small Issue Is Actually a Signal?

Every team has a “washcloth” issue — a small behavior that erodes morale, respect, or clarity if left unchecked.

• Repeating directions that should be written down

• Letting some teammates interrupt and others get ignored

• Over-relying on one “go-to” person until they burn out

Most leaders wait until these issues explode. Great leaders spot them early — and address them with precision and fairness.

Closing Insight

Leadership isn’t about barking orders or begging for compliance. It’s about creating an environment where the right thing becomes the normal thing.

Sometimes that takes a policy.
Sometimes it takes a moment.
Sometimes it just takes one coach saying, “We’re not doing that anymore.”

Reflection Prompt:

What’s one small behavior in your team that needs a clear fix — not just a polite request?

If you’re struggling to identify the behavior or how to address it, feel free to radically collaborate with a few leaders or mentor you trust. Otherwise, feel free to schedule a complimentary call to discuss it.