The Sobering Reality Of Leadership – It Is Temporary

“You get hurt. They cart you off. They blow the whistle. The game continues.”  – Tom Brady

In the January 25th edition of the USA Today, I was struck by two uncomfortable articles in the sports section.  One was covering the funeral of Joe Paterno and the other on whether Peyton Manning will remain as the Indianapolis Colts quarterback next season.  Both articles were difficult to read because they reminded me of potentially the worst reality of leadership – that it is always temporary.

We are not entitled to anything as leaders.  We are simply stewarding an extreme high calling – to serve others while advancing mission and vision.  Leaders are ultimately judged by how well they stewarded that temporary assignment.

I think it is helpful to see how Manning is handling his uncertain future with the Colts.  To read a full article on the situation by the incredible writer Bob Kravitz, click here.

• Manning is remaining calm.  He has a peace.  This is unusual, because as Kravitz points out, Manning who is used to controlling every aspect of his life currently controls none of it.
• Manning is maintaining a sense of humor.  Referring to Rob Lowe’s tweet that he was retiring, Manning replied “I never thought Soapbox Curtis would announce my retirement.”  This is a name of a character Lowe played in the 1983 movie The Outsiders. 
• Manning is honoring his authority and not sowing discontent.  Even though he was very close to the previous administration and coaching staff, he has not publicly tarnished the reputation of ownership or their process.
• Manning is continuing to do his job.  He still reports daily to the team’s training facility for his rehab work.
• Manning is facing reality.  As he said in the interview, “I guess it’s the reality of the football world, just not something I’ve had to deal with very often…Everybody’s being evaluated, and I’m no different.  It’s not the best environment.”
• Manning knows that many times it is a financial decision.  He is due a $28 million option in March.

I think Peyton Manning is the best regular season quarterback and the most prepared athlete I have ever seen.  He deserves better.  He deserves to retire as an Indianapolis Colt.  He deserves to leave on his own terms.  Or does he?

The bigger question is – Does any of us?

How do you feel about the concept of your leadership being temporary and out of your control? 

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