The marquee of the Sparkle Car Wash on 82nd and Craig gave me my first breath of fresh air regarding the Colts Super Bowl loss. It read, “Thanks Colts, for Another Great Year!”
As disappointing as it was to see one of the best teams in the history of the NFL lose the Super bowl, the Colts character of leadership reminds me of what being the best is all about.
The key to the success of the Colts organization is that they hold themselves to a continuous standard of excellence, which is clearly marked by their multi-year success record, with a myriad of players on the front line.
Here are some of my observations of the team and how they have been wildly successful at creating long-term leadership excellence:
1. Focus – I love watching Peyton Manning focus on the sidelines while the defense is playing. He isn’t wandering around or talking to his team mates. He sits quietly in what I can only assume is an exercise in focused meditation; mentally reviewing the plays that will help his team win.
2. Integrity – They do what they say that they are going to do – nothing more and nothing less. The Colts are also a team that acts as if they have their heads together when they are not on the field. Their outside behavior is another reflection of their ability to focus on what is most important.
3. Fundamentals – You don’t see too many trick plays and risky chances called by the coaching staff. The Colts focus on the basics of the game, and that is what makes them great.
4. Consistent Attitude – Every once in a while you will see Marvin Harrison or Gary Brackett stunt a little bit after making a big play – but not often (if you would like to know the definition of “stunt”, email me at jamar@goreachmore.com). These guys are level headed and are all about getting the job done. Go to work, throw the ball, catch the ball, hit the line, run the ball, do it with energy and commitment, win the game. There is very little show or flash – just good ‘ol football.
The Colts know that winning every play and every game does not make a stellar career. Staying in the game, obeying the preceding rules, and playing hard are what makes their organization a football dynasty. They have a very clear focus on reality.
When reachmore’s executive coaching clients are going after their biggest year ever, we don’t pull out all of the flashy marketing plans, complex financial analyses, and 6-sigma operational structures. We teach our clients to focus, live and work with integrity, to perform the fundamentals of running their business daily, and to do everything with a level head. Those are the keys to long-term leadership.
Jamar Cobb-Dennard is the Vice President of Business Development for reachmore, which provides leadership coaching for small business and executives. Email Jamar at jamar@goreachmore.com for the latest on reachmore’s newest seminar, Launch.
Tags: colts, commitment, leadership
