As a leader, have you ever had a memorable performance? A performance people are still talking about? Maybe it was an anointed church service, key performance indicators which you easily exceeded, or maybe just got all the kids to bed with no drama. I hope you have. It is an incredible feeling when all your preparation and hard work produces incredible results.
In Sunday night’s opening game of the NFL season, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had such a performance. Down 10-0, Chicago Bears defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris sacked Rodgers forcing him to leave the game. All of Packer nation, and football fans in general, held their collective breath. But as Rodgers would say, “R-E-L-A-X.”
Fortunately, Rodgers returned for the second half training 20-0 and history was made as you can see in the highlights below. BTW, Khalil Mack’s first half performance is also being called by many the greatest half of football a defensive player has ever had. See if you agree.
The following are 15 Leadership Lessons From Aaron Rodgers’ Iconic Performance Against The Chicago Bears. The quotes are provided in an ESPN article you can read here.
- To Have An Iconic Performance It Helps To Have Been There Before – Rodgers had iconic performances previously. There was his Hail Mary pass against Detroit as well as his incredible sideline pass to Jared Cook at the end of a divisional playoff game against Dallas. Most importantly, Rodgers was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV.
- To Have An Iconic Performance Start With A Few Small Steps – If you need to reverse negative momentum, just start by getting some wins under your belt. Down 20-0, the Packers started their comeback with a simple field goal.
- To Have An Iconic Performance Be Consistent – In the second half, Rodgers completed 16 of his first 19 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Produce Iconic Result – Rodgers’ second half totals were an incredible 17-of-23 for 273 yards and three fourth-quarter touchdowns.
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Have To Do Things People Have Never Seen Before – Tight end Marcedes Lewis said, “I ain’t seen nothing like that.”
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Take Command Of The Situation – Lewis continued, “Just his command and, you know, him kind of just taking over and taking control and basically doing what he sees, it’s crazy.”
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Eliminate Mistakes – Rodgers was not sacked in the second half.
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Believe In Your Teammates – Rodgers said, “But it’s important — division game, home game and just a reminder to the squad that a belief in each other is so very important to sustaining success.”
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Generate Positive Momentum – Rodgers continued, “I’ve talked with one of our guys on the staff at times about whether or not they believe in momentum in the game. And I do. And when you get the crowd going and the defense starts believing, that lead is shrinking and you realize if you get a couple of stops here this thing could be over in our favor
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must First Do Your Job – Rodgers acknowledged, “Well, this is what we’re paid to do.”
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Overcome Adversity – Rodgers adds, “We’re paid to deal with injuries and play through ’em. That’s what everybody is doing and will be doing throughout this season. That’s the measure of a teammate, is what are you willing to put on the line for your team? And to me, it’s a no-brainer.”
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Need A Little Luck – With 2:36 left in the game, it should have been over. However, the Bears an easy interception.
- To Have An Iconic Performance You Must Seize Opportunity – There is a difference between sensing opportunity and seizing it. After dropping an easy interception, Rodgers threw a 75-yeard touchdown pass two plays later.
- Having An Iconic Performance Is A Special Thing – Rodgers said, “Being out there is special. The ovation from the crowd lifts you up, gives the energy, the momentum of the game, and you feel the tide turning. It’s special.”
- Having An Iconic Performance Will Be One Of A Leader’s Favorite Memories – Rodgers concluded, “This will definitely go down as one of my favorite memories, especially in this rivalry.”
What is one thing you can learn from Rodgers’ performance which will make you a better leader?
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