I am an average sports fan and by no means do I share the same passion for New England as my associates Carla and Steve.  However, I find it fascinating that a guy who was drafted 199th in the 2000 NFL draft, is now regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.  Tom Brady is the Quarterback for the New England Patriots.

My theory?

He was probably the 199th draft pick because he wasn’t the fastest, tallest or strongest.  Apparently, they weren’t measuring a critical intangible called “leadership”.  As a quarterback, he has discovered the power of teamwork and if you ever watch him play, you will see what I mean.

Instead of finding a wide receiver or running back and making the game about one star player, Tom Brady deliberately gets the ball into as many of the players hands as he can in the first quarter.  He throws each receiver a pass and makes sure each running back gets the ball a couple times.  Anyone who has played sports knows that you are much better player once you have caught a pass, gotten a hit or scored a point.

Same thing applies at work or at home.  When we feel like we have played a tangible role in the successful outcome, we are more engaged and better contributors.

Teams can win games with a star player just as small companies can achieve some success with a key person.  Neither can be “Champions” until it leverages a team culture.  Tom Brady knows this and he has 3 Super Bowl Championships to show for it.

Seen any good examples of this kind of leadership in your world at home or work?