Leadership and Life Lessons from Peyton Manning

"It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it.” –Peyton Manning

In this NFL interview Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and four-time NFL MVP, answers questions about his team’s recent win and their uncharacteristic three-game losing streak.

Manning’s leadership style and philosophies, evident in this interview, are undoubtedly among the assets which make him one of the greatest NFL players.

Here are key points he makes during the interview:

Taking Responsibility
Minute 1:50: Deion Sanders states, “I like that you are a stand up guy.” Why? At recent press conferences Manning took responsibility for his team’s losses. “It doesn’t do any good to blame anybody. It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it and how you fix it,” replied Manning. “I believe in accountability.”

Focusing on What’s Right
Minute 2:50: After three consecutive losses, Manning says he was asked if he was in a slump. His reply, “I guess maybe I was, but I’ve been on an eight-and-a-half year hidden streak,” referring to his winning NFL record. When faced with challenges our tendency is to focus on what’s not working and on what went wrong instead of focusing on what’s working and what we are capable of.

Being in the Now
Minute 4:48: Manning is asked his thoughts on two previous games in which he threw a total of eight interceptions. His response indicates he is focused on the present moment and on moving forward.

Learning from Adversity
Manning concluded the interview by saying the three consecutive losses were a test of faith and working through adversity. “How you handle it is the key,” he said. This is the stuff of which champions are made. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to it.

Whether or not you are a football fan you will appreciate Manning’s perspectives. To watch the entire NFL interview, click here.

What are some of your principles and philosophies for working through challenges?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

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