America’s torrid love affair with the seven month-long ritual known as football is one that grows stronger and more passionate with each passing season. From the first pre-season game in August to Super Bowl Sunday in February, grills, face paint, foam cheese heads, and novelty jerseys smother American culture as millions obsessively pursue their favorite teams and players in the hope that they will be the ones hoisting the famed Lombardi Trophy. It is in this spirit that I, football fanatic, Colorado native, and graduate student of management and leadership, chose to explore one of footballs’ finest, Peyton Manning, and how his exceptional leadership skills on the field could prove valuable to organizations seeking success and stability in today’s dynamic, fast paced, and highly competitive business world. With four contemporary readings as the foundation for my exploration I was able to identify two key leadership lessons that current and aspiring leaders, such as myself, can take away from Manning and his tenure in the NFL.
Lesson 1: Capitalize On Your Passion
Lead Me Out to the Ballgame – Howard Fero & Rebecca Herman
Black Quarterback Syndrome – Norman Davis
Perhaps the greatest of these leadership lessons involves passion. Passion is what fuels everything. It is the single most important ingredient to individual success and happiness and is a key source of internal motivation, drive, and enthusiasm. As leaders, honing in on your passion and incorporating it into the work you do is of particular importance. This is because leaders set the tone for an entire organization. When they have a passion for the cause it not only stimulates feelings of hope, positivity, optimism, compassion, and energy but it also motivates followers to reach their greatest potential.
I would argue that this was the precise experience of the Denver Broncos after signing Peyton to their squad in 2012. The incomparable passion, talent, and dedication his teammates have witnessed of him upon his arrival to the Mile High City, has, not only uplifted the team as a collective whole, but has also inspired each player individually to work harder and perform at their highest levels. Players like Emmanuel Sanders and Demarius Thomas, by example, have been playing the best football of their careers (just look at those stats!) with Manning at the reins. And, although, this resounding passion on its own can’t ensure that big end of the season “W”, it will continue to play a dominate role in the Broncos road back to the Super Bowl.
Lesson 2: Lead by Example
Leading at the Edge– Dennis Perkins, Margaret Holtman, and Jillian Murphy
So what else is it that makes Manning superior to others in the league? And why would anyone in the corporate world believe that an athlete entrenched in the NFL could teach them something about how to run a business?
One undeniable facet of Manning is his ability to lead (and live) by example. This leadership practice not only demonstrates his withstanding commitment and dedication to the organization and mission at hand but it is also his primary source for building trust and credibility amongst his Broncos teammates. Unlike many of the “removed” leaders of today, Manning is there with his players, not just present, but actively involved in every drill of every practice, each and every day. He arrives before all of his teammates and leaves only after each one has completed their individual prep for the upcoming week’s game. Furthermore, he is provides feedback and offers suggestions to his players and is just as willing to listen and learn from them in return. Most importantly, when hard losses are suffered and times are difficult, Manning does not hide in the shadows or point fingers but is rather the first one to take accountability for mistakes made on the forefront.
Touchdown
Manning’s passion and love for the sport of football have been the crux for his tremendous career success, perhaps earning him the title of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. This same passion has also been the supplier of the Broncos drive and inspiration over the past three seasons. More than that, Peyton Manning’s hands-on, “model-the way” style of leadership has helped him to cultivate a united and collaborative team. One that trusts their leader and is committed to helping him, and the Broncos organization, achieve their ultimate goal – a third Championship title. It is for these very reasons, among others, that I strongly believe corporate leaders could take a lesson from Manning. If he can achieve these desirable outcomes under such an unpredictable, often turbulent and intense spotlight, there is no doubt those charged with running an organization in today’s business world couldn’t reap the successes.
So, while cheering the Broncos on this upcoming playoff season I urge you to admire Peyton Manning, not just for his football talent and skills, but as a truly effective and admirable leader.
Go Broncos!
Gretta Buick
Gretta Buick was born and raised in Breckenridge, Colorado where she spent most of her free time in the outdoors learning how to ski and snowboard. After graduating from high school she attended the University of Vermont and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. The past seven years I have been residing in New Haven with my husband, and doodle Ziggy, while working for the Husky Health program and pursuing my graduate degree in Management and Organizational Leadership.