In 2006, Charles Woodson signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers.
It was probably the last place the star cornerback wanted to play. In fact, he did just about all he could to ignore the Packers and their offers.
Charles would speak to his agent wondering if other teams were calling with interest. His agent would tell him that there was little interest, but that Green Bay kept calling and calling.
Finally, Charles agreed to terms with the team, but things got off to a rocky start during the off season. New coach Mike McCarthy had thoughts on how players should train and Charles had different ideas. The two clashed often that first training camp and even into the season.
That season Charles went on to have one of the best of his career. He had 8 interceptions, which at the time was a career high. During the season he and Mike McCarthy also found common ground and a balance they could both agree worked for themselves and the team.
And an interesting thing also happened…the standoffish proud individual cornerback started becoming a leader in the locker room…
Reluctant Leadership
Charles Woodson was going into his 9th NFL season when he joined the Packers. He was 29 years old and one of the longest tenured players on the Packers at the time. Players with that kind of experience are usually looked upon from coaches to become leaders in the locker room.
But sometimes those veteran players want to stick to doing their own jobs and worrying about themselves. They don’t want to take players under their wing. For some it’s just not comfortable to be vocal in the locker room or to take on that added responsibility.
This happens in the business world.
Entrepreneurs have great ideas for businesses. They want to have a successful business, but they’re uncomfortable with the idea of leading a team even though that’s a requirement for growing and maintaining a successful organization.
The good news is that there are many ways to be an effective leader.
Leading By Example
When you’re in a position of power or leadership or of impact you’re leading by example whether you realize it or not. Nearly every organization has different levels of influence. Those with the most influence or those in leadership positions are being watched by others in the organization. People are paying attention and taking mental notes and cues from the leaders even if those individuals don’t realize that they are.
The way the leader acts, reacts and goes about their work and daily life is showcased to the entire organization. And others in the organization will follow the lead for the good or for the bad of the organization.
Charles Woodson may not have liked the idea of being a leader when he came to Green Bay. Mike McCarthy wanted Charles to be the first one in the door everyday. He wanted Charles to listen and pay attention in all meetings. He wanted Charles to show the coach respect because McCarthy knew that others players would watch how Charles acted and they would follow suit.
But Charles was more of an individual worker. He liked watching film alone. He liked working out alone. And in the early days in 2006 the younger players, especially at his position, would try to do the same and it wasn’t always the best situation for the coaches.
Eventually, though, Charles and McCarthy found a method that worked for both. It was a hybrid arrangement where Charles continued to train the way he wanted to while also doing some of what McCarthy was asking. And the younger players learned to listen to and respect the players while also putting in extra training on their own just as Charles was doing.
In business you don’t always need to be a vocal leader. You can lead by example, but you have to be aware of the example you’re setting for your team. They’re paying attention to everything you do and they’ll act how you act.
Providing A Vision
One thing Charles and McCarthy could agree on was a goal or a vision for the team. They both wanted desperately to win a Super Bowl. That goal brought them together and Charles bought into the plan the coach laid out for the team to win the big game.
It’s important for a team, whether a sports team or a business team, to know where things are going. When the vision is clear the plan becomes easier to buy into. The decisions have more merit. The Why becomes more apparent.
Why are we doing this drill, coach?
Because it will make you faster and that will help our team improve so we can win the Super Bowl.
What is the vision for your business?
Define the goal and the path and give your team an idea of what they’re working toward.
Conclusion
In 2010, Charles Woodson was one of the leaders on a Packers team that won the Super Bowl. During the previous years he continued to lead by example, but he also became a vocal leader on the team. After the Packers beat the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game he gave one of the best sports speeches of all time.
I still get chills watching the team’s reaction to: White House on three!
And you can see Coach McCarthy to the right and behind Charles. He’s all smiles. He knew that Charles had developed into a wonderful leader for the team.
You don’t have to like the idea of being a leader. There are many ways to succeed and lead a team. It’s a requirement for you, in a position of power in your business, to lead your team. Understand that you need to project a vision and lead by example. Do those two things and the rest usually will fall into place as you gain more experience.
Maybe one day you’ll even find the inspiration to give a speech that will leave your team ready to take on the world.
