Be a Game Changer!

 



 

In 2015 I had the opportunity to hear future Hall of Fame Quarterback, Peyton Manning speak on leadership. I found my notes from his presentation and thought I would share them.

 

Here's the message; Be a game changer. Work to be the "X factor" in your organization.



 

1) Learn to thrive on being uncomfortable. There is no perfect pocket. As school and district leaders we start every day with our own to-do list. Most days that list doesn't get done and instead grows. It can seem frustrating and overwhelming at times. We have to accept that there is no perfect pocket or environment in which everything will go as planned. Just like a quarterback whose pocket is breaking down around him, we have to make new adjustments each day in order to move the ball down the field.

 

2) Devote yourself to intense preparation. Peyton spoke about the hours and hours he spent watching film of his opponents. He arrived long before the team for practice and often watched film well into the night. He was constantly preparing himself for success. As leaders we have to prepare ourselves to lead others. John Maxwell says that leadership is influence, if you can't influence then you can lead. As leaders we often get caught up in our data points that drive our decisions. However, I believe it's just as important to spend time with your followers. Take time to get to know them and truly listen to them. It sounds simple, but I think leaders can lose their ability to influence if they are not deliberate about connecting. Prepare to lead in multiple ways.

 

3) Invest in a coach. We all need mentors and people in our lives that will give us honest feedback. People who will point things out that others won't. If you don't have those people in your work life, go find them.

 

4) Find a way to instill trust in others. You can't lead without followers. Who wins the war? Generals or soldiers? Who loses the game? Coaches or players? What makes a car mobile? Engine or the tires? The answer to all of these questions is BOTH. If you don't instill trust in others, you won't have followers, you won't have influence, and you won't have a team.

 

5) Bravely adjust to realities; good and bad. Keep moving the chains. As leaders we have to stay cool under pressure and keep the organization moving forward.

 

6) Become a master observer. John Maxwell says good leaders walk slowly through the crowd and take time to listen. I'd say the same is true in becoming a master observer; slow down and take it all in.

 

7) Understand to sustain power and influence with other people, you have to earn respect by working not talking.