What Can Leaders Learn From Tim Tebow?
By Mark Miller, author of “The Secret of Teams: What Great Teams Know and Do”
Some of you are Tim Tebow fans and some of you are not – got it. Regardless of your feelings, let’s not miss the chance to learn something here about leadership. Here are a few things I’ve observed watching Tebow this season that have been great reminders for me.
Leadership Matters – Team sports require leadership. In the NFL, there is an expectation that the quarterback will provide that leadership. Tim has provided leadership for the Broncos. Business, ministry, government and education all require leadership too. If your team is going to win, someone must lead.
Passion Matters – The intensity of the team is always a reflection of their leadership. If the leader is not passionate, the team won’t be either. Tim gets this. His passion was a critical ingredient in 6 fourth quarter or overtime victories this season! How high is your passion for what you lead?
Winning Matters – Winning is the ultimate measuring stick in the NFL. Pretty or ugly, it doesn’t matter. Tim knew the goal was winning – not his QB rating. What does a win look like for your team? Is everyone on the same page?
Skill Matters – Tim has a lot to learn as an NFL quarterback. His skills are not where they need to be. Heart, passion and drive are huge – but insufficient over the long haul without the skills. Tim knows that. That’s why he’s so excited about the off-season. He plans to grow before next year. What’s your plan to grow this year?
Influence Matters – When you and I lead well, our influence will grow. One of the things Tim does is host disabled young people at both home and away games. He says that it inspires HIM to see their courage and helps him keep the game in perspective. How will you steward your influence?
I look forward to watching Tim and the Broncos in 2012 – I still have a lot to learn… to be continued.
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I am ecstatic that you have commented on the leadership of the Tebow Phenomenon! I have only one concern with the concept that Tebow provided leadership that made all the difference. I believe that the leadership within the organization has enabled a strong young man to hedge his bet in the QB position. Tebow was allowed to be flawed and impress instead of the normal practice of being built up and disappoint. He leveraged that publicly exploited set of flaws to draw out the leaders on his team to step their games up and join him, but only after his coach and GM allowed him to assume the position. It is a great story to rival the Knute Rockne legend, and for that it should get all the accolades he and his leadership team have earned, but again (as Tebow himself would say) it is a team of leaders that produced that run of success.
Thanks Jason – I agree, there is executive leadership in the Broncos organization. Leaders have to make tough decisions and the senior leaders in the Broncos organization did just that when they decided to let Tebow play. Once the decision was made, Tim stepped up and did his part on the field. He is certainly not the only leader in their organization, he’s just the most visible.