As the big game is only days away, let’s take a look at one reason why the Super Bowl is so exciting. Every year there is one player on each team that the world has their eyes on – the quarterback. Have you ever wondered why? Well, the answer is simple. He is the leader.He is the one player that the team and the coaching staff and the fans count on to carry the team to number one. The pressure is great and a quarterback’s ability goes far beyond his physical strength, and moves into the role of being a superior leader.
To be a successful leader of a business, large and small, is very similar. Take a look at these leadership qualities that are seen in any great quarterback and see how they can be applied your role as a leader in the workplace.
Always Prepared. This is a must-have trait that is seen in the greatest quarterbacks—and outstanding managers. An elite quarterback will relentless prepare for practice as well as a game, know their teammates intimately and execute their plans meticulously. A leader in the business world must do the same thing and be prepared for the next opportunity that may be heading their way.
Always Aware. Just as a quarterback scans the field before making a play, a leader should evaluate a situation and act quickly to take advantage of an opportunity or to solve a challenge that is on the horizon. A great leader will learn their team’s strengths and weaknesses and have a strategy to highlight the strengths and minimize the weaknesses in order to keep on top of their “game.”
Always Ready For Feedback. A quarterback cannot win a game alone. He depends on a coach and teammates to help him get that ball down the field. Listening to feedback from teammates and coaches is a key to a quarterback perfecting his game and winning. A good leader will want feedback and will listen to the goals, aspirations, career plans, and talents of each team member to get better results.
Now that you have some helpful habits to put into place that can be pivotal for your own success, analyze these behaviors in action by the elite quarterbacks in the big game ahead. The outcome of the game becomes less important (unless you are a Seahawks or Broncos fan) as you begin to understand how these leadership qualities reach beyond the football field and into your workplace.
