A Legacy of Leadership - Peyton Manning #leadership #legacy #wisdomwednesday

No one really knows for sure if Peyton Manning played his last game winning Super Bowl 50.  What we do know is the tremendous legacy as a leader he has cultivated on and off the field.

So what can we learn from Peyton Manning?

He continually earned trust and the respect of those around him.  People respected him because he gave respect.  He respected the game, the owners and schools he played for, his coaches and assistant coaches and those that contributed at all levels of the organization.  He respected his teammates and the fans, knowing without them he had nothing. 

Because of the respect he showed, people trusted him.  If the game was within reach at the end, no matter how well or poorly he might have played prior, everyone from his owners, coaches, teammates and fans trusted Peyton would find a way to win.  While a win didn’t always happen, because of the earned trust, no one ever counted them out. 

Do your actions and behaviors constantly earn both trust and respect from those around you?

He has Command of his Craft.  Peyton is a consummate professional and student of the game.  With all his games played and years of experience he never stopped learning.  He is not the most physically gifted athlete in the sport, he doesn’t have the strongest arm or the mobility to beat a team with his legs, but he overcomes those because he has one of the greatest minds in the game.  His pregame preparation, in game adjustments by constantly studying formations and listening to teammates and coaches between offensive series' make him one of the most fierce, play to play competitors in the game. 

Where and how often do you invested in your craft?

Acute Situational Awareness.  If you could define Peyton by just one leadership trait it would be his tremendous situational awareness.  While in the game there is no question on either side of the ball who is the leader on the field.  Peyton would relay the play called from the sideline in the huddle, but as soon as that huddle broke he would be assessing the situation they faced at that moment, what defense is called and what player match ups are created. 

Because of his knowledge, experience  and gift for the game, Peyton always tries to put he and his teammates in the best position to succeed no matter what the original plan from the sideline called for (coaches trusted him to do this).  Coming to the line waving his hands, yelling audibles, and moving players from side to side just to give his team a “situational” competitive advantage.  Bottom line, he makes things happen and doesn’t wait for things to happen to them. 

Are you one to make things happen for you and your team?

Be Humble.  In victory or defeat, the game was never about Peyton.  He recognizes it is just a game and is blessed to be playing it.  He was never bigger than the game or the moment, he always gave credit and never took credit.  He is always the first to congratulate and support others when they needed it.  He made those around him better by being Peyton. His actions, attitudes and behaviors defined not only him but helped define those around him.

Would others say you lead with humility? And do your actions and behaviors define you as a leader in a way you want to be defined?

In closing, it is a story book ending to an amazing career if Peyton Manning decides to retire from playing football. He has left a mark on the game in so many ways.

He will tell you he is no Superman, but if this is his last season and you look at his accomplishments from high school to college to his professional career and measure him as a leader, his legacy, where it truly counts in life, may prove he just might be Superman!