Well, Tony Dungy finally retired this week.
I say “finally” because it seems like he’s wanted to for a couple of years. I watched him say goodbye to Indianapolis (home of The Leadership Institute) and wondered why his lessons of leadership fall on deaf ears.
It would do us all good to hear this guy’s story. To read his book, Quiet Strength. And to study his actions and philosophies.
All the way down to the way he ended it all. His owner (Jim Irsay) and President (Bill Polian) in tears. How many times have you watched a leader leave an organization like that? In business or in sports? Like, … ever?
And if you’ve followed his career, you’ll know that deep down, Tony wasn’t about winning. He was focused on ‘winning the right way.’ And the right way for him was with class, learning lessons and never complaining about things he couldn’t control (officials).
Watch him support local charities. Watch him give credit to his coaches and players. Watch him spend time with his family. Watch him weather the storm of the death of a son. And watch him stand on the retirement stage with two sobbing, grown men.
It’s proof to me that there is a right way to lead. There is a right way to keep your derailing behaviors in check. And there is a right way to “be” in the world. Thanks, Tony Dungy, for giving us all a standard to which to aspire.
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Tony Dungy is one of the all-time best people, best leaders and best football guys.
All-time.
His book is tremendous and he’s on my list of dream interviews and dream dinner guests.
Tony Dungy will be sorely missed. He proves that nice guys can finish first. He is a great man, more so than anything he has done on the football field. I suspect that he will achieve even more off the field. He exemplifies leadership and presents a great role model. I have a great deal of admiration for Tony Dungy the man, the father and the coach.
Mike, Wouldn’t we all love to have dinner with him. You know the saying, “Character is what a person does when no one is watching.” I suspect in the spotlight or out, Tony is the same guy.