As leaders, we always want to be in-demand. We want to be appreciated for our efforts and have our services viewed as something which creates tremendous value to the people and organizations we serve.
Justin Fields
This brings me to former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for only a 2025 sixth-round draft pick that could become a fourth-round selection based on playing time.
First, let me say I am rooting for Fields. He and I grew up in the same town of Kennesaw, GA. I also wrote about his 2021 college football play-off performance against Clemson in my book 2021 The Year In Leadership: The Stories of Faith, Athletics, Business, and Life which Inspired Us All. After taking a devastating hit and being clearly injured, Fields courageously completed 22-of-28 passes for six touchdowns and 385 passing yards. It was one of the greatest performances I have ever seen a college quarterback have. I felt stardom was a certainty. And he has since had his moments.
But during the last month, the following are the quarterback transactions as provided by PFF.com:
- Kirk Cousins: Signed with Atlanta Falcons (four years, $180M)
- Baker Mayfield: Re-signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (three years, $100M)
- Russell Wilson: Signed with Pittsburgh Steelers (one year, $1.2M)
- Gardner Minshew: Signed with Las Vegas Raiders (two years, $25M)
- Jacoby Brissett: Signed with New England Patriots (one year, $8M)
- Jameis Winston: Signed with Cleveland Browns (one year, $4M)
- Tyrod Taylor: Signed with New York Jets (two years, TBD)
- Sam Darnold: Signed with Minnesota Vikings (one year, $10M)
- Drew Lock: Signed with New York Giants (one year, $5M)
- Mason Rudolph: Signed with Tennessee Titans (one year, TBD)
- Josh Johnson: Re-signed with Baltimore Ravens (one year, TBD)
- Sam Howell: Traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2024 fourth-round pick (102 overall) and a 2024 sixth-round pick (179) in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick (78) and a fifth-round pick (152).
- Kenny Pickett: Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-rounders in exchange for Pickett and a 2024 fourth-rounder
So why was Fields traded for such a small amount compared to the quarterbacks above? Also, his base salary and roster bonus for 2024 is only $3,233,448. That is less than every player listed except Wilson who is receiving a large compensation package from the Denver Broncos.
A Hard Question
While average fans love Fields and mesmerized by his athletic ability, you can make an argument 13 teams had a chance to secure his services for a less-expensive number but still went a different direction?
Once again, why is there a perception of such little value for Fields’s services and what does this mean to leaders everywhere?
During the March 16, 2024 edition of “The Athletic Football Show” podcast, co-host Randy Mueller said, “The one thing Justin Fields had to prove to us (scouts) was that he could get the ball out quickly… Justin still struggled to get the ball out on-time and deliver it consistently in an accurate fashion where the receiver could make a play.”
The 4-Step Process To Creating Value For Yourself As A Leader
From Mueller’s comments, we learn the following 4-Step process for creating value for yourself as a leader. Notice how each one builds on the previous.
Making Timely Decisions Creates Value For Leaders
There is a difference between sensing opportunity and seizing it. Making timely decisions allows you to not miss opportunities. As mentioned above, Fields “struggled to get the ball out on-time.”
But making timely decisions is not enough to create maximum value. More is required.
Consistently Making Timely Decisions Creates Value For Leaders
Making timely decisions is not enough, it must be done with consistency. Consistency and faithfulness create platforms for greatness. In a YouTube world, we can put together an impressive highlight reel of a few things we do well. But it is consistency which separate good from great.
To give you an example, LeBron James just passed 40,000 points in career scoring. The following are the number of games he needed to pass each 10,000 point milestone:
- 0 to 10,000 – 368 games
- 10,000 to 20,000 – 358 games
- 20,000 to 30,000 – 381 games
- 30,000 to 40,000 – 368 games
It took James the same number of games to score his first 10,000 points as it did to go from 30,000 to 40,000. That is consistent greatness.
But consistently making timely decisions is not enough to create maximum value. Even more is required.
Consistently Making Timely And Right Decisions Creates Value For Leaders
Mueller mentioned Fields needing to “deliver it consistently in an accurate fashion.” Accuracy in our decision-making prevents unnecessary mistakes and a loss of trust. Your trust as a leader is insulated by accuracy.
But consistently making timely and right decisions is still not enough to create maximum value. Even more is required.
Consistently Making Timely And Right Decisions Which Benefit Others Creates Value For Leaders
Benefitting others is the key.
Mueller mentioned Fields’s accuracy would help receivers make a play. What ultimately determines if our decisions are right and timely is do they add value to those we are called to serve.
Conclusion
Do you want to create value for yourself as a leader? Do you not want to have 13 other leaders selected ahead of you? I’m sure I can answer both questions for you. Therefore, consistently make timely and right decisions which benefit others. That is the key for adding maximum value.
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