As a leader, do you understand the power of your influence? Do you know the ramifications of your actions and decisions? Leaders have tremendous impact on the lives of people. Leaders can make a person feel like they can accomplish anything. On the other hand, leaders can destroy the self-esteem of those they are called to serve.
As a leader you are always being watched. As my pastor Crawford Loritts often says, “You are a picture of the desired destination at which others should wish to arrive.” That is the responsibility of influence.
I have been thinking a lot about Crawford’s words lately. They reminded me of an article I read several years ago about two-time Pro Bowl selection and free agent Adalius Thomas. Thomas was having difficulty locating a new team after being cut by the New England Patriots in 2010. The reason given was “every NFL team had tape on him from the previous season” and were not impressed.
This is alarming because after the 2006 season, Thomas signed a 5-year, $35 million contract after being the most sought after free agent on the market that summer.
As a leader, here are five takeaways I get from this story.
- Everyone has tape on you. People, especially those you lead, are always watching you. They have a mental tape on you and reflect your character and behavior. You are always setting precedent as a leader. People do what people see.
- Most of us are “system players”. In the Baltimore Ravens defense, Thomas was involved in more blitz schemes and allowed to often roam free. The Patriots’ defense focused on assignments and decisions. While the money was good, the fit was not. You must determine which system best fits you. Unless you fit well, you may never see all the money.
- Great organizations never pay for average. When you’re highly paid and highly visible, you must produce. The reason sports teaches such quality leadership principles is because everything is measurable. Someone wins. Someone loses. Production shows up in the box score. Personnel decisions are then made.
- Rebelling against authority never has positive results. Twice during the 2009 season, Thomas accused Head Coach Bill Belichick of treating him like a “kindergartner”. Pride proceeds destruction and a haughty spirit proceeds a fall. Quality organizations deal with insubordination in a swift and decisive fashion.
- Failure is never final. You can come back.
In three years, Thomas went from being the most sought after free agent in football to not being sought out at all. As leaders, we must remember people are always watching us. As a result, we will all eventually sit down to a banquet of consequences of our actions and decisions. Make good ones.
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