Are you born a great leader or can anyone develop into one? In other words, is leadership greatness something God has bestowed on a select chosen few or can it be developed by anyone with enough effort and experience?
I was going through some old notes from a October 2013 Monday Night Football game featuring the Denver Broncos. Much of the pre-game discussion centered on the team’s legendary quarterback Peyton Manning.
As the analysts gave their thoughts on Manning, it gave some insight into the age old question – Are you born a great leader or can anyone develop into one? The following are 16 Things You Must Do To Become A Great Leader:
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Work Very Hard On Your Craft – Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker said, “They (Manning and Tom Brady) work at their craft so hard”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Keep Everyone Accountable – Walker added about Manning, “and (he) keeps every so accountable out there on the field.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Place Major Emphasis On Minor Details – Welker concluded, “After every period, I go to Peyton and say, ‘What did you think of this route? What did you think of that route?’ It’s those minor little details and getting on the same page.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Have Great Preparation – Trent Dilfer said, “He wins most of his battles before the ball is even snapped.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Gain Knowledge And Then Do Something With It – Steve Young said, “Once he’s at the line of scrimmage he is one of those guys who can take information and do something with it.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Have Great Anticipation – Young added, “Anticipatory Calculas. You don’t have open receivers. You throw them open…Peyton anticipates better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Experience And Overcome Adversity – Manning said regarding his neck surgery, “The best medicine (for recovery) is time.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Embrace Change – Manning noted, “I’ve had enough change here these last two years, difficult and comfortable, to provide stimulation and variety to keep you on your toes.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Have More Than Talent – Mike Ditka concluded the discussion on Manning with eight thoughts listed in points #9 – #16. “Greatness is more than talent and he has it.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Have Great Character – “He has character.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Have Leadership Skills – “He has leadership.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Actually Do Need To Have Talent As Well – “He has the talent and that what makes this guy so special.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Be A Continual Learner – “He’s a student of the game.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Do The Lonely Work No One Sees Or Applauds You For – “He’s a film room guy. He’s a gym rat.”
- To Become A Great Leader You Must Make Others Better – “He does all the things you have to do to make himself better and make his teammates better.”
- A Great Leader Is Special – “That’s what makes him special.”
What we learn from Manning is regardless of what natural ability you may or may not be born with, anyone can become a better leader. Simply implement the lessons listed above and see the difference it makes.
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