In honor of today’s Super Bowl, my post this week is about leadership – but not the traditional, “how to be a successful leader” or “leaders always win” message. This week I’m thinking about how even great leaders sometimes fail.
Today is a great example of that. Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play professional football. Even if you don’t like him, you can agree to that. He has significant natural abilities, that’s for sure. But what makes him one of the greatest ever – what separates him from the rest of the really good quarterbacks – is his leadership.
Never is this more evident than before the ball is hiked each play where he is filling his role as the Field General. He is barking orders, giving instructions, bluffing the defense, all the while auditing the defensive formation to determine his best course of action.
Even though he is one of the best ever, his team fell short tonight, proving that even great leaders lose.
I couldn’t help but imagine the Colts locker room after the game. I envision Peyton Manning, distraught over a loss he probably took too much credit for, talking to his teammates about the past successes they’ve had, the great season they enjoyed and the successes they will enjoy together in the future. I think that’s the mark of a great leader.
What do you think?
Rick Church is Head Coach of CM Services, Inc. The Association Partnership Company. CM Services pioneered the concept of developing long-term partnerships with national and international trade associations and professional medical associations. Mr. Church has published articles and given presentations about association leaders (both volunteer and paid). Mr. Church served as president of the Association Management Company Institute (AMCi). While on AMCi's Board of Directors, Mr. Church was very involved in the development of the AMCi/ANSI standard for Association Management Companies and the AMCi certification program based on that standard.
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I think Peyton Manning is really funny in commercials.
I agree. A true leader will focus and remind the team of all their accomplishments. At a later time, a good leader should recognize and share with the team where they need to improve. What the football game confirmed on Sunday, was that no matter how good a leader is, It’s still a TEAM effort. Payton had no control in recognizing the possibility of an On Side Kick. Wether he or any one else thought about it, is an unknown. The strategy and decisions on the sideline, along with the leadership and execution on the field contribute to the success. The onside kick was only one of the factors that changed the game. The leader is the hero or the goat, but the TEAM is what gets it done.
Two other thoughts for another time. Did the Saints beat the Vikings, or did the Vikings lose the game? Is a person Great, or is it the Times that makes them Great?
Thanks for the thoughtful comments Joe. I think you make several good points.
As a Bears fan, I don’t really care if the Saints beat the Vikings or the Vikings lost the game – all I care about is they didn’t advance!
Maybe a future blog can address your question about whether people are great or do the times or circumstances make them great.
Hope you’re enjoying the blog.
Look forward to more comments.