Not all leaders continually improve. Not all leaders continually get better. Some actually get worse over time. But why? It is often difficult to discern if a leader’s regression is simply a momentary season or a permanent trend. But there are warning signs a change needs to be made.
Earlier today on ESPN’s College Gameday, quarterback guru George Whitfield said the following. “Let’s be honest, he (Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston) is not as good as he was last year.”
What was interesting were the two reasons he gave for his assessment. He said, “Two big reasons for that: Lack of Detail In the First Half and he’s been a Big Gambler with the football. Those two things don’t coincide with victories usually.”
Let’s review:
1. Lack Of Detail In The First Half – Leaders who get worse over time neglect fundamentals. They get off to slow starts. Passivity and a sense of entitlement creep in. They no longer do “the lonely work” needed for sustainable success.
2. Big Gambler – Leaders who get worse over time make unnecessary mistakes. They become over-confident, careless and lackadaisical. Whitfield points out Winston’s gambling, “has put him some spots and holes he has had to dig out Florida State out of.” Gambling not only makes a leader worse but it puts their team in precarious positions. Whitfield concludes, “They (Florida State) need him to protect them and mitigate loss as much as they need him to make plays.”
During the segment, Whitfield also took a look at a practice session with Bryce Petty, the starting quarterback for Baylor University and my top-ranked quarterback in this year’s NFL draft. Whitfield noted the quarterback’s success was determined by “How fast can you get up (take the snap), produce the ball (get in a throwing motion) and get it to the edge (pass to your receivers on the sideline)? The faster you do that you give your guys a chance.”
Once again, let’s review:
1. Produce The Ball – Leaders improve over time by creating opportunities for those on their team. Get them the ball. A quarterback’s success is determined by how well they get the ball out of their hands. Your success as a leader is found in your team’s success and how well you position them.
2. Get Them The Ball FAST – Leaders improve over time by being decisive and not wasting time and opportunity. Decisiveness brings clarity and creates less clutter for those on your team. It removes barriers and streamlines thought. Having this sense of urgency is one of the leader’s greatest strengths because it results in increased productivity.
In conclusion, I will be watching two leaders today, one regressing (Jameis Winston of Florida State) and one improving (Bryce Petty of Baylor). Their team’s success will be largely determined by their performance as leaders. You should be paying attention as well. Your team’s success largely depends on your performance as a leader.
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