Leadership is a huge area of study for Keys To The Gym. In Dena’s article, What Is A Point Guard Anyway? she talked about how “Being a great point guard is more than just a position on a basketball team. It’s a mindset. It’s a way of being, both on and off the court. Any team that has a great point guard will perform better and be more successful.” Many people agree that a point guard is the most important position on a basketball team. Similarly, quarterbacks are considered the most important position on a football team. Both demand special leadership qualities.
This morning I read two great articles about the two quarterbacks facing off in the superbowl today. Each article is an explanation as to why one is a better leader than the other, both are good articles and obviously both are good leaders or their teams would not be playing today. Regardless of who you are pulling for today there is always something to be learned by true students of the game, even if it’s not our sport. Below are some leadership qualities of Manning and Brady that would serve any leader.
Washington Post on Brady: “Why the Patriots’ Tom Brady is a better leader than Eli Manning.”
“But those achievements aren’t what make Tom Brady who he is. That’s not what has taken him from good to great, either as a quarterback or as a leader. What marks him as a role model for leadership is his approach to the game: personal humility and professional will.”
Washington Post on Manning: “Why the Giants’ Eli Manning is a better leader than Tom Brady.”
“Finally, as with any good leader, Manning makes everyone around him better. At the beginning of this season, Giants enthusiasts were panicked over the loss of two offensive weapons: tight end Kevin Boss and slot receiver Steve Smith. But thanks to Manning’s willingness to spend extra time working with young teammates, two players who were unknown to all but the most fervent fans, Jake Ballard and Victor Cruz, enjoyed breakout performances.”