Like many people in Denver I am a Tim Tebow fan. I am his fan not only because of his comeback wins, his outspoken Christian character, and his mental and physical toughness. I am a fan of his not only because of his unbridled enthusiasm, his fourth quarter playmaking, and his team first attitude. I am a fan because of the leadership example that the combination of these characteristics have set for the Denver Broncos, Colorado, and the world.
Critics point out that Tebow just learned to take a snap from under center this year without fumbling. His footwork is terrible and his throwing motion is undisciplined. His completion percentage is less than 50% when top NFL quarterbacks complete 70% of their passes. These things are true but the team excelled.
Everyone is a team member. Our families, businesses, friends, neighbors, parent teacher associations, church groups, cities, states, and countries are all teams. In my business as a teamwork and leadership speaker, I am always on the lookout for examples of how one person can change the direction of a team.
I have come to see teams similar to a child’s teeter totter, with the team leaders on one end and the team “egos” on the other end. The remainder of the team, what I call the “uncommitted”, are balanced in the middle. The success of the team can be changed from success to failure just by changing the tilt of the see-saw from the leader side (success) to the ego side (failure). As the see-saw tilts in one direction or another, the folks in the middle who are uncommitted will tilt in the same direction. The momentum builds and builds toward either failure of the whole group, or success.
There were leaders on the Denver Broncos before Tebow surfaced, such as Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins, but still the team was stuck in the ordinary. On the team see-saw, the egos were in control. A me first attitude emerged, and this, coupled with a general lack of expectations, affected the spirit of the team.
When Tim Tebow emerged as a leader of the team, the Bronco’s see-saw tilted to the success (leadership) side – and the whole team responded. What Tebow lacks in polish and experience as a quarterback, he makes up for with his powerful leadership skills. His teammates have confirmed that regardless of race, skills, or team positioning, they are in it together, both on the field and off. By remaining committed to the ultimate team’s goal to win, as well as through his all-encompassing and infectious enthusiasm, Tebow has demonstrated in a great way how to be an effective team leader.
Members of teams quite often reflect the traits of their leaders. Tebow’s teammates adopted his never say die approach and clutch fourth quarter play making. When they could have complained about not catching passes, Bronco’s receivers chose to accept the new “run first” offense and concentrated on blocking and protecting on run plays. Big sacks and fourth quarter interceptions were contributed by the defense which helped win games. Teammates celebrated and were delighted in their accomplishments. Some even took a chance by talking about their faith in interviews after the game.
I am indeed a Tim Tebow fan. But even more so, I am devoted to the positive change that good leadership can provide.
Karl Mecklenburg is a former NFL All-Pro and is currently a keynote speaker dedicated to inspiring permanent and positive change in teams and individuals. He is one of the many talented Leadership Speakers you will find on MotivationalSpeakersWorldwide.com.. This article, Leadership Lessons Learned From Tim Tebow is available for free reprint.
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