Everyone wants to get young leaders and rightfully so. But be careful to not put the experienced veterans out to pasture too quick. They actually provide something to your organization which cannot be replaced.
Recently, New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty said on ESPNs First Take about the recently-departed Tom Brady’s impact on the team, “Tom doesn’t have to say anything. As soon as he walks in, everyone’s watching the way he works, the way he prepares. So I think not having him will be an adjustment. I think that’s what our league is — change, and how you adapt and are able to move on from it.”
Great experienced leaders bring the intangibles and a level of credibility which cannot be measured. Let’s break down McCourty’s comments:
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Bring Great Credibility – “Tom doesn’t have to say anything.” Great experienced leaders have often seen it all and done it all. They know where mistakes can be made. They know the difference between sensing opportunity and seizing it.
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Have The Right Work Ethic – “As soon as he walks in, everyone’s watching the way he works”. Not only do they work hard, more importantly, they know what to work hard on.
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Know How To Prepare – “the way he prepares.” You will either prepare or repair. And great experienced leaders have had to repair a lot in their lives. Therefore, they know how to prepare.
So what are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting with Tom Brady?
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Make Everyone Better – Teddy Bruschi recently told ESPN in this article, “That’s my one advice to his teammates right now. He is on a level plane as you, because he’s gonna make mistakes, but he’s also gonna make you better.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Raise Everyone’s Level Of Intensity – Rob Gronkowski added, “He just brings that fire to the table. There’s no time when you’re gonna be out at practice where he’s not gonna be vocal, the intensity level’s not gonna be high.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Are Great Mentors To The Next Generation – Gronk continued, “You’re always gonna be learning with Tom.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Bring A High Level Of Partnership – Former teammate Christian Fauria said, “He’s gonna hold you accountable, but you need to hold him accountable. … It’s not a dictatorship, it’s a partnership.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Bring A High Level Of Excellence – Fauria added, “There is a level of expectation and excellence.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Create A Championship Mentality – Fauria concluded, “The more you work at it and practice it and understand what he wants you to do when you both see it the same way — that’s how it develops into a championship mentality.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Are Often Perfectionist – Donte Stallworth said, “At that moment, I realized that’s why he’s already a future Hall of Famer. Because of that right there. That’s when I realized why this dude is who he is. He’s a perfectionist. He wants perfection, but not just that — he’s a super competitor.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Create A Sense Of Community – Rich Ohrnberger said, “Finding those opportunities to connect as people, as friends, as brothers — those were important to Tom, and it certainly became important to all of us.”
- Talented and Experienced Leaders Are Culture Builders – If I had to sum up the previous 11 points into a single word, it would be “culture”. Great experienced leaders build great cultures.
When you look at the experienced leaders on your team, to they reflect these points? If so, don’t be so quick to replace them… because you probably can’t.
My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase. If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you! By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you. This book is not to be read alone. Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence. Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.