NFL – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leadership Lessons From The G.O.A.T.

Posted January 31, 2022January 31, 2022
by admin

Losing is no disgrace if you’ve given your best. – Jim Palmer

The Cinderella ending of Tom Brady’s playoff run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not the one he wanted. But with class, he played the hand he was dealt. Will he retire from the game? By the time you read this, we may have our answer.

My intention here is not to stroll down memory lane detailing all of the highlights of his remarkable career. There’s not enough time or space here to do that. His accomplishments speak for themselves.

Any player can give glowing remarks after an incredible come from behind win or other such accomplishment and look good. But how you handle the disappointment of a loss is more revealing.

After the defeat of the Buccaneers to the Rams in the recent playoff game, Brady took to his Instagram page to comment about the loss. In doing so, he gives us a few lessons in leadership that transcend the game.

Allow me to break down those leadership lessons taken from his post. I believe these lessons can benefit any leader regardless of your profession.

Gratitude

“…but this week, all that is on my mind is the gratitude I have for this team and the fans that have supported us…”

In this statement, Tom Brady brings to the forefront a leadership characteristic all can emulate. When you lead from a heart of gratitude it speaks volumes about your character. The lesson here is simple but profound – no one does it alone.

Brady rightfully acknowledges his teammates and fans for their support. He acknowledges that when everyone comes together and works hard then great things can happen. A heart of gratitude and humility is refreshing coming from a player the caliber of Brady especially after a loss.

Hard work pays off

“This year has been incredibly rewarding personally and professionally and I am appreciative of everyone who worked their ass off to help our team achieve so much.”

Simply put, Brady is acknowledging the obvious – hard work pays off. When everyone is invested and willing to work hard and make the sacrifices to achieve great results, it’s a humbling experience. Even though the season ended sooner than he and the rest of the team would have liked, he acknowledged everyone’s efforts and did not blame anyone for the loss. It was a total team effort that was characterized by hard work and determination.

Hard work and self-discipline have always been hallmarks of Brady’s career, even in the offseason. When a leader or athlete like Brady is the one who sets the bar, it lifts everyone to a higher standard and he gives credit where it’s due.

Keep everything in proper perspective

“ I always want to win., I think that’s pretty apparent by now, but that doesn’t mean I equate losing to failure, especially when you go out fighting the way we did.”

Brady’s quote here is leadership gold. When you understand that losing one game does not equal failure it’s a game-changer.

In his book, Failing Foward, John Maxwell writes, “ The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.” Brady’s ability to see in this light indicates that he clearly understands the difference.

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Final Thoughts

Tom Brady demonstrated that winning is not characterized by the final score of a game. He showed that some things are more important – like living with gratitude, working hard, and keeping everything in proper perspective.

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3 Leadership Lessons from the ‘Improbable’ Michael Strahan

Posted August 9, 2014
by admin

They do not love that do not show their love – William Shakespeare

Among the inductees in the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2014 was the great Michael Strahan from the New York Giants. He joined fellow inductees Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Andre Red, and Aeneas Williams.

Strahan is the youngest of six kids and in his induction speech he said that he is absolutely an “improbable Hall of Famer,” and an “improbable football player.” The son of a career Army man, Strahan did not grow up playing football. He received a scholarship and attended Texas Southern University where he learned to play. Another “improbable” moment later came when he was drafted by the New York Giants.

Michael Strahan played defensive end for the Giants for 15 years. He set the NFL’s single-season record for the most sacks (22.5) in 2001. He played in 216 games for the Giants and had a career 141.5 sacks (5^th all-time in the NFL). His final game for the Giants came in 2007 with a win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

In listening to his Hall of Fame induction speech you can’t help but hear the love not just for the game of football but for the people he credits for his success. From coaches and teammates that spanned the various generations of his illustrious career, Strahan took time to recognize them all. Here are three leadership take-aways from Michael Strahan that are worthy of a closer look.

It’s not when you begin but how

Strahan trained and conditioned in Germany. He didn’t take up the game of football until college – in Texas. By that time most of his peers had considerable experience that would seemingly put him at a disadvantage. But he worked hard and learned the game and had to be teachable.

As a leader it isn’t about when you begin but how. If you work hard, are willing to learn and apply yourself, then there is no goal in your sights that you can’t reach. Your age or lack of experience is no match for a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Improbable doesn’t mean impossible

By all accounts Strahan possessed every disadvantage imaginable when he started out. His lack of experience would surely put him at a disadvantage. Or would it? Learning and excelling at the game while in college and being drafted into the NFL was even more improbable. But he did it.

Strahan joins the company of many others who would have been labeled as “improbable” by any other standard or measurement. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for “lacking ideas”. Steven Spielberg dropped out of high school and applied to three film schools but was unsuccessful due to his “C” average. President Harry Truman was rejected by the U.S. Military & Naval Academies due to his poor eyesight. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. What does Michael Strahan share in common with all of these people? He refused to be labeled and refused to give up. All successful leaders do this.

Humility is refreshing

For all the success that Michael Strahan achieved in his NFL career there is something quite refreshing about not forgetting those who helped and sharing he credit. Strahan was remarkably generous in paying homage to those who helped him. Striking in his remarks was in how he acknowledged predecessors like Lawrence Taylor and Howie Long. What was honorable was the way in which he proclaimed his love for his parents and proudly admitted to being a “momma’s boy”.

The road to success is long and hard and the bonds you forge with those around you who share the journey make it all worthwhile. When you can remain enough humble to learn, at any age or at any stage in your career, it’s a leadership quality worthy of respect and emulation.

While Strahan’s journey was on a stage for the entire world to see and enjoy it’s not unlike countless others who can and will do the same. Likely far removed from the spotlight and fanfare of a Strahan-like career, you will serve with the same degree of passion and purpose.

It’s important to remember these three lessons: it’s never too late to reach for your dreams; improbable circumstances don’t define you – they only indicate your starting point; humility is never out of style and will always serve you well. Thank you, Michael Strahan, for reminding us.

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You Have the Right to Remain…Vocal

Posted May 8, 2012
by dougdickerson

Nate Davis’ column in today’s edition of USA Today (http://usat.ly/JdcLg5) raises the question as to whether former NFL Quarterback Kurt Warner is out of line with recent remarks he made about the NFL . The controversy stems from remarks Warner made when he said he wasn’t sure, given the current status of the NFL with the bounty scandal and the recent suicide of Junior Seau, that he wanted his kids to play football. It might also have something to do with an alleged bounty placed on Warner during the 2009 season.

The issue here now, as some suggest, is that it’s unfair that Warner profited from the NFL like he did on one hand, and speaks despairingly about the NFL on the other. In other words, he can’t, or shouldn’t, have it both ways. Some argue that because the NFL made him rich and famous he should tote the line and keep his mouth shut.

This raises a legitimate leadership question as to when it is appropriate to address valid concerns and when for the sake of “go along to get along,” one should remain silent. It’s not always popular to speak your mind or the truth as you see it.

Leadership expert John Maxwell said, “If you are going to take a risk, you need to put yourself on the line,” and this is exactly what Warner has done. I applaud him. After years of playing the sport and taking the hits, literally and figuratively, he has earned the right to express his concerns.

Wise leaders understand that there is a time and place for silence; courageous leaders know when it’s the right time to speak. Warner, I believe, has demonstrated both. What do you think?

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Doug’s new book, Great Leaders Wanted! is now available. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to order your copy today.

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