Thank You Peyton Manning

Now before anyone gets all up in arms let me explain myself. I should also mention that I have not been avidly following the Indianapolis Colts and I am not a Manning devotee. But living in Indiana of course we hear a lot about the team. So why am I thanking Manning.

First I wanted to thank him for showing our youth that you should not “play at all costs”. I know he was playing in pain at least at the end of last season. But even then I don’t remember hearing a lot of hoopla regarding how the pain affected his play. And yes we have been kept up to date with all the other medical updates. He has not rushed to play. Which I know is really hard with the lack of success the team has had this year. There are things that need to be taken seriously regarding your physical health. My son played with young men (high school age) who needed to seek medical attention but didn’t want to sit out even one game. I wonder how they are doing now.

Secondly I wanted to thank Manning for the excellent example of begin a team player. He is active on the sideline doing anything he can to assist the team. He is still actively engaged in watching the plays, analyzing the defense, and giving advice to the quarterback. When I have heard him interviewed after games I haven’t heard him whine about not playing. Or what he would have done if he was in the game. That is the way a team member should support the team no matter if they are unable to play for the season, not having a great game, or are ill. I am sure he has had a lot of down moments but from my seat I have only seen an individual who is working to get healthy and helping his team.

In many offices I see individuals who say they are team players yet they come in sick or they do not perform at the best. They usually have some excuse like “I’ve worked really hard all week so I am going to coast today.” Or they come in sick because they don’t believe that their teammates can cover for them.  Our companies need employees who come in to work and provide their best every day. Learning to work as a team and support each other is a key skill that everyone needs to learn. Manning couldn’t provide the team his skills as a quarterback on the field, but he could provide his knowledge of the game, skill at understanding the other team’s defense, and being present (not sitting on the bench goofing around). I think we should all aspire to be that good of a teammate.

Organizational Decoys

Why is it so easy for personal issues take center stage? I believe it's because most people believe that these issues are quick to fix. Plus it gives us a chance to solve something. We don't feel so helpless.

Take the newest "sex scandal." Why is it taking so much of our press time? Why is it the main topic in the news, conference rooms, and legislative resources? Sex scandals are "sexy". We are intrigued with the people who are in the light. And in a way we like to see the flaws. Then they are seen as mere mortals.

Political scandals have been around since the country was born. And yes there were "sex" scandals back in 1796. (Wikipedia) Yes they put into question the morals and ethics of the individuals involved. Yes, most individuals would find it appalling.

However, scandals (of all types) occur not only in the government but also in other organizations. It seems so easy to focus on that. People are fascinated with it. And while we are focusing on this issue the really important issues get put on the back burner.

Rep. Anthony Weiner may have made major mistakes. But let's look at another notable: President William Jefferson Clinton. Why didn't Pres. Clinton leave office? Why wasn't he impeached? How many CEO's, executives, actors, athletes, or other high profile individuals have been caught in improper behaviour? How many "regular people" have committed acts of discretion?

I am by no means saying that what Rep. Weiner or any of the others did was right. That includes my ex-husband. What I am saying is that what we should be focusing on. Yes Rep. Weiner has some explaining to do to his wife and the other women involved. But why is it taking up all the time and press. Shouldn't we be focusing on the important issues of our nation.

We need to realize that people are people and we all make mistakes. Even those religious leaders, remember Jim Bakker? (Christian evangelists scandals of all types go back to the 1920's and that doesn't include the scandals of the various faith organizations) Bakker has returned to preaching. Does his mistakes mean that he cannot continue his ministry? Don't know.

I for one would like to see Rep. Weiner and the rest of his colleagues get back to work and solve the issues that are plaguing our country. Those are issues that will take a lot of energy and creative thought to solve. I don't believe that Rep. Weiner should resign, I believe he should continue the work he was elected to do. Then at the next election, if he chooses to run for re-election, the voters of his district will decide whether he is the best person to represent them in Congress.

What about your organization? Do you have "personal" issues that are plaguing your success? Have you solved these issues? Let us know how you were able to resolve the issues and what you learned through the process.