Today is Tuesday, July 08th, 2008

Brett Favre on Leadership

I’m in Milwaukee this weekend visiting family and friends, and today we’ll gather around the TV to watch our beloved Green Bay Packers take on the St. Louis Rams. The team is having a pretty darn good season so far (11-2), so the excitement level in Packerland is high.

To top it off, in early December Packers quarterback Brett Favre (and Half-Full Hall of Fame member) was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year”.

Amongst all this football hoopla I discovered an excellent leadership lesson I wanted to share with all of you. In the SI piece honoring Favre, he was asked about how he defined leadership. Here was his response:

“It’s somehow getting 52 other guys to raise their level of play. To get them to believe in what we’re trying to do. You do that by setting an example, by doing things the right way. I’ve always shown up, I’ve always been prepared, I practice every day. I practice hard. I study. No matter what happens on the field, I never point blame at anybody else. Everything I do comes back to leadership, the example I want to set.”

As someone who has thoroughly enjoyed watching him lead by example on the field for 17 years, it was no surprise to find out how Brett Favre chooses to practice his craft.

What was interesting, however, was how easily this definition could be “ported” to any other business or profession.

Yep, everything we do as managers should come back to leadership. Talking the talk, AND walking the walk.

Now if he could just get us to another Super Bowl……….

There Are 6 Responses So Far. »

Comment by Eric Peterson on 16 December 2007:

I’ve always been a Brett Favre fan, even though I am diehard Bears Fan! I’ve got to say that Favre has always been one heck of a leader. The man is a “rock.” He’s tough, yet humble, and he really is a true leader

More importantly, as you said, he leads by example! He really does walk the walk. It’s about follow through, and Favre definitely follows through. He’s a class act. I agree with you, in that I think managers and leaders could learn a lesson from this icon.

From a huge sports fan (as well of a leadership fan), I must say “Great Post”! And, since the Bears are out of contention….”Good luck to your Packers.”
Comment by Terry Starbucker on 17 December 2007:

Hi Eric - thanks for your comment.

The Bears/Packers rivalry is one of the best in all of sports - I believe they’ve played each other well over 100 times.

It’s always a good game too- I’m sure the next one this weekend will be no exception.

And Favre and class do go together really, really well.

Thanks again, and all the best!
Comment by Tom Vander Well on 17 December 2007:

You know I’m a Vikings fan, SB. But I have to give props where props are due - even when it’s an arch-rival. Favre is a consumate leader and has been for years. He walks the talk. His post-game press conference and the humility he displayed talking about Dan Marino was a class-act.

(I still hope my Purple gets another shot at the Pack in the playoffs!)
Comment by Anonymous on 18 December 2007:

Doesn’t he have a seperate locker room? That’s true leadership!
Comment by Terry Starbucker on 19 December 2007:

Hello Tom and Anonymous - thanks for stopping by.

Tom, all of a sudden those Vikes look tough; I wouldn’t want to face them in the playoffs.

Anonymous, can I wager that you are not a Packer fan?

All the best to you both.
Pingback by An Ode to Joy at Work: Thank You, Brett Favre : TerryStarbucker.com on 10 March 2008:

[...] My New Year’s Blogging Wish ListBrett Favre on Leadership4 Essential Elements to Business Greatness125 Sites Making it Great (Just Like Phil)Welcome to My [...]