One Person Makes A Difference

I can't help but feel sorry for the once proud Indianapolis Colts.  For the past 11 years, the Colts have made the playoffs in 10 of those years, winning the Super Bowl after the 2006 season.  They went again in 2010 but lost a great game to New Orleans.  This year, they're win less in eight games.  This is a team that is built around one man, Peyton Manning, their quarterback.  He has not played one down this year and may not play again.  He joined the Colts in 1998 and has set club and NFL records for his passing proficiency.  In watching this team, I'm not sure they'll win a game this year.  Very sad but very true.

There are many examples in sports where one player can make a difference.  Look at David Freese with the World Champion Cardinals.  In game 6 last week, he hit a game tying home run in the 9th and won it with a walk-off homer in the 11th.  There are thousands of examples where the presence of one player changes the balance of a game or a season.  This year, Peyton Manning's absence brings this into focus.

As leaders, think about your team.  Though all of us can be replaced-can we be as efficient, productive and effective without your key players? What are you doing to keep them interested and engaged?  Most of the time it's not throwing more money, but showing your appreciation.  We have to understand that there are game changers in our organization.  They should be models for others to improve and excel.  This is where the Colts struggle.  There is no leadership, there is no direction and the rest of the players aren't able to step up.  Don't let this happen in you.