8 Leadership Lessons From The Incredible Mike Vick Monday Night Performance

Is there anything as inspiring as watching a high-capacity leader performing at the level of their full capabilities?  Last night, NFL fans watched the Philadelphia Eagles QB Mike Vick put on a virtuoso performance.

Vick completed 20 of 28 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns.  In addition, he ran 80 yards and two additional scores.  Other than Gale Sayers’ 1965 six touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers, this was the greatest single game performance I’ve ever seen on a professional football field.

As leaders, here are the lessons we can learn from Vick’s game against the Redskins.

1. High Capacity Leaders Embrace The Bright Lights – I don’t think it’s an accident that Vick performed so well during a Monday Night Football (MNF) game.  Great leaders embrace big moments.  They don’t shy away from the spotlight or a challenge but rather embrace it.  
2. High Capacity Leaders Have Discernment – In a November 5th interview in the USA Today, Vick said “I feel like I can go out and take a shot if I have to.  But at the same time, just play smart and not take the unnecessary hit.”  Great leaders understand which battles to take on, what hills to die on.
3. High Capacity Leaders Build Great Teams – DeSean Jackson.  Jeremy Maclin.  LeSean McCoy.  Jason Avant.  The Philadelphia Eagles are the fastest team in pro football.  Leaders, to reach your full capacity you need people around you who are the best at what they do.
4. Who Is Leading You Matters – Owner Jeffrey Laurie and head coach Andy Reid have created an organization where people can have a 2nd chance and thrive.  However, I think the person who has been the most instrumental to Vick’s success is offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.  In an interview in the September 13th edition of The Sporting News, Mornhinweg states “You spend a lot more time individually with players as a coordinator.  There’s more one-on-one time on the field, in your office and in group meetings.”  Who is leading you matters.
5. There Is A Difference In Sensing An Opportunity and Seizing It – Vick started the season as a back-up.  Once Kevin Kolb was injured, Vick was ready.  Now he will remain the Eagles’ starting QB for probably the next several years. 
6. Personal Growth – As much as Vick as grown as a player on the field, all indications are that he has grown even more as a man off the field.  Previously, Vick’s talent took him where his character could not sustain him.  Now, his character coupled with his talent is taking him to a level where no team can contain him.
7. Redemption – America loves 2nd chances.  If you have failed as a leader, ask for forgiveness and then do the deeds that demonstrate a change in behavior. 
8. You Can’t Please Everyone – No matter what you do, some people will never forgive your past behavior.  This is a reality.  You simply must embrace point #7 and continue moving forward.

What will it be like if a Vick-led Eagles team comes to the Georgia Dome in January to play the Falcons for the right to go to the Super Bowl?  I’m just saying.

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