Byron's Babbles

Playing To Strengths

Posted in Educational Leadership, Global Leadership, Leadership, Leadership Development, NFL, Super Bowl by Dr. Byron L. Ernest on January 8, 2023

I have always been a fan of being a strengths finder. The best leaders find ways to play to the strengths of those they serve. My son and I watched the Jacksonville Jaguars win the NFL’s AFC South last evening. Their coach, Doug Pederson, is a strengths finding leader and someone I have studied and admired. First and foremost, he is genuine person who players have zero issues building relationships with – the most important leadership trait. Pederson can also relate and connect with professional athletes because of being one. Additionally, he has a credibility factor because of the success he has had as both a player and coach. Players call him “genuine.” Being genuine and authentic is about as good as it gets!

What has always impressed me is how Pederson builds a game plan around strengths and talent, not the other way around. For example he had Carson Wentz playing at an MVP level in just his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Then when Wentz was injured, in came Nick Foles, and the rest is history. Pederson made the necessary changes to play to Foles’ strengths and the Eagles won the Super Bowl. He found what Nick Foles did best and changed everything to compliment that. He has now done the same at the Jacksonville Jaguars for Trevor Lawrence. Changing everything to compliment what your quarterback does best and the talent around him – genius. Great leaders don’t try to fit everyone into their own prescribed way doing things; they make adjustments to compliment the strengths of the talented people they serve. Playing to the strengths of those you serve – great leadership!

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