We’ve all heard that no one is irreplaceable.  However, there are practices that can make you indispensible as a leader.
Recently, Jeffri Chadiha of www.ESPN.com identified the Top 10 players in the NFL that would be the toughest to replace. As I read Chadiha’s article, I found the parallels very applicable to all leaders regardless of their area of discipline. To read Chadiha’s full article, click here.
The following are the qualities of Top 10 Most Indispensable Players In The NFL and what makes them so difficult to replace:
- Competence and Confidence - In his rookie season, quarterback Cam Newton made the Carolina Panthers relevant again.  The team simply could not compensate for his confidence and overall talent if it were missed.
- Overall Effect On Team Performance - As valuable as quarterback Tom Brady and fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez are to the New England Patriots, their play suffered immensely when Rob Gronkowski played injured during last year’s Super Bowl. Â
- Compensate For Others – Great leaders fill gaps in the organization.  With head coach Sean Peyton suspended for the season, quarterback Drew Brees must fill the leadership void.
- Loyalty – Few things matter more than protecting the reputation and the success of the leader you serve.  Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady has the primary responsibility this year of protecting quarterback Peyton Manning and his surgically repaired neck.Â
- Make Others Better – Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has great talent around him. So do many quarterbacks in the NFL. What makes Rodgers special is that he knows better than most how to maximize his supporting cast.
- Character – The Cincinnati Bengals have a well-publicised history of players with poor character. That is why star wide receiver A.J. Green is a breath of fresh air. The low-maintenance Green helped the Bengals exceed expectations while providing no distractions.
- Humbleness – Indispensible leaders find their success in the success of others. One the reasons that Ray Lewis has been able to extend his career is because defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has freed Lewis and others up to play to their strengths.
- Great Timing – Detroit Lions superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson made his biggest plays when the team needed it the most. Johnson had touchdown catches in three come-from-behind victories last season.
- High Production – What makes Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware so valuable is that he simply produces…a lot!! With little help around him, he had 19.5 of the team’s 42 sacks last season.
- Versatility – New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Reavis can cover any type of receiver regardless of their experience, size, or speed.
Competence, Confidence, Improve The Team’s Performance, Compensate For Others, Make Others Better, Loyalty, Character, Humbleness, Great Timing, High Production, and Versatility. If you possess these 11 qualities, you too are probably an Indispensible Leader.
What one of these 11 areas can you improve in today as a leader?
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