I spent most of yesterday writing and rewriting this post. I did not want this to seem like I was plying on. I want to discuss the overall leadership and lack of leadership that can happen in times of crisis or adversity. Many millions watched Super Bowl 50 Sunday. Much was talked about over the past season about how well the Carolina Panthers and their superstar quarterback had turned the corner. Losing only one game in the regular season.
Purest in the football game said that Cam Newton and his dabbing and dancing was not good for the game. Many others felt like the young quarterback was being true to himself and his love of the game. Which ever game you are in – you have your reasons. For me, I like some fun, but not attempting to show up the game or the other team.
The hype leading up to the big game was that Carolina was the better team. They had just beaten badly the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals. Lots of talk about the flamboyant QB Newton and his attire. Love him or hate him – he was the talk of the town.
Cam won the NFL’s MVP the night before. He was the leagues most valuable player. He really did have a great season. Probably well deserved. He led his team to overachieve. Many discussed how he had greatly improved as a leader of his team. He brought a youthful enthusiasm into the game and his team. He got them together to pose for pictures on the sidelines. He had strong games where he led his team to comeback victories. An MVP season.
Then came the big game, Super Bowl 50. Nothing was going the way it had all season long for Cam and his team. They struggled to play like the champions of the NFC. They lost the game.
Here is where leadership really steps in.. Or maybe not..
Did Cam Newton demonstrate great leadership in the face of adversity or defeat? His actions during the game and afterwards tell us “NO.” He did not step up and act like the leader of the team. Many of his teammates did. I don’t know what it is like to lose the biggest game in your life. I do know what it is to lose something bigger than a game.. Your actions afterwards are critical. Those around you are looking at you for the leadership that you had provided throughout the good times.
True leaders step up in both good and bad times.
Will Cam Newton learn from these experiences? Of course he will – if he wants to. I was hoping that maybe he would step up on Monday and say something that would make the mistakes of the after the game press conference go away, but he did not. Maybe he is working on it..
Teaching and training leadership classes that I do – I have new examples to bring along for what it is to be a leader in good times and bad times. Good times it is so easy to be a leader as everyone one is happy! They are dabbing and dancing, smiling and posing for pictures. During the bad times – run off and leave when the times get tough. All great examples of what not to do.
I am old school…
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