I thought I would choose Colin Kaepernick as a profile to identify for leadership…but I believe Colin’s story is still being written.
This is not to say this profile is complete but I felt compelled to bring light to such an example that really needs and deserves its due.
I just received the book, “Quiet Strength: The Principle, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life.” by Tony Dungy. I sent his book on marriage to my uncle…damn you Amazon Prime :o)
Wait let me back up…
I had the privilege to attend a speaking engagement with Tony Dungy as the keynote speaker.
You think…yeah Tony Dungy the old guy on the NFL panel, first African American Coach to win a Superbowl, author, Hall of Fame…yadda yadda yadda. I knew he was a special dude when Michael Vic referred to Tony as the man the helped him out of the prison situation. Mike said, “Tony is my inspiration…” I knew there was something a little different…unique about Tony Dungy but I had no idea how great of an individual he is…and that wasn’t by accident.
There was so much wisdom coming from that podium…I was overwhelmed. To identify one key thing Tony stressed…humility.
Humility is one of the words written on my mirror and this man is just that…humble, but he gets it honest. Tony stressed “Humility is the most important characteristic of leadership.” That statement, philosophy made me select Tony as a profile to write about. Did you know Tony Dungy’s father was a Tuskegee Airman?! Well…apparently Tony didn’t either, until his father’s funeral and they were running down all of his father’s accolades. Lonnie Smith and his father talked everyday, and Tony was completely unaware. All of Tony’s life he never knew his father was a Tuskegee Airman. Tony’s belief in God and his mantra of humility obscures him limelight, but that’s by design.
In this selfie world where everybody is consistently trying to impress their friends and followers poppin’ bottles or pontificating, Tony Dungy comes with a level of humility that’s refreshing to witness. We all have people in our circles who’s lives are “Facebook Fabulous” but Tony’s life is just amazing or should I say, how he lives his life, his example… is just inspirational. I had only known Mr. Dungy as a SuperBowl coach…I was so glad I took off work to see this legend, he really is fabulous.
Other quotes Tony mentioned…
“What are you going to do today to make the situation better tomorrow?”
“If you’re going to be a leader, you can’t be out of control.”
Tony’s definition of success:
“Taking what God has giving you and use it to the best of your ability.”
I had a chance to ask Tony a question and I prefaced it with mentoring…I asked,
“Tony what would you tell kids that are between the age of 13 – 18 years old?”
Tony’s answer…
“Do what YOU want to do, don’t follow the crowd, MAKE the crowd follow YOU.“
MPM
Ps. There is so much more to write about Mr. Dungy but someone said my blogs are too long. LOL
Middle Passage Mentor 