If You Fail To Lead Today You Will Regret It Tomorrow

Sunday Night Football:
I had a whole different discussion planned for tonight, but as I was preparing it I was also watching the end of the Eagles/Bears game and an obvious leadership situation developed. The Eagles were winning 24-20 but the Bears' defense had just stopped the Eagles with just over 2 minutes left in the game. The Eagles punted and the Bears got the ball in good field position, but the Bears were guilty of a penalty which put them back in lousy field position. The cameras zoomed in on the Bears' team leader, quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler had a rough game to that point, but there was still hope for a victory. As the penalty on the punt return was announced you could see Cutler's countenance drop, his head sagged and he just walked onto the field without any enthusiasm. Here was the team leader who was in position to motivate and lead his team to victory and he was just walking onto the field with his head down as if he was accepting defeat. I saw it and I'm sure his teammates saw it and felt his defeat. The Bears ran a few plays and then Cutler threw an interception to end any chance they had at winning the game.

Mike's Thoughts:
Wow! What a lesson in leadership! As a leader, it is my responsibility to motivate and lead my people when times are tough. My people will be looking to me for the motivation and confidence they need to overcome the obstacles in front of them and press on to victory in whatever the task is at hand. In a situation that has developed to the point where it is time for me as a leader to stand up and be heard, I must do so with a positive confidence that becomes contagious in the ranks of those I lead. To do anything different would be to let my people down and let myself down.

Mike's Action Points:
1- Seek wisdom to know when it is time for me to step up and make a difference to my team.
2- Have the courage to display positive confidence even if I've had a rough day/time and the odds are against us.
3- Be genuine in my feelings and display of positive confidence.
4- Be a positive example to those on my team who may be future leaders.