What Coaches and Teachers Can Learn from Peyton Manning

You might not know this, but the Broncos and Peyton Manning have a BIG game coming up this weekend.

Yep. It’s us vs. the Packers, two 6 and 0 teams going head-to-head, Peyton vs. Aaron Rodgers. And guess what…the Packers are going dowwwwn!!!

I know what you’re thinking – okay Kristin, settle down now. We get that you like the Broncos and Peyton Manning. But what the heck does that have to do with coaching and teaching anyway??

Well, a whole gosh darn lot actually. Peyton’s work on and off the field provides some great insight into leadership traits that reach beyond the football field and into schools and classrooms and the work we do everyday.

What-Coaches-and-Teachers-Can-Learn-from-Peyton-Manning

In fact, Peyton’s spoken about these traits before, referring to them as ‘Game Changers.’ So let’s take a look at what they are and how we can use them to inspire our own work.

1. Learn to Thrive on Being Uncomfortable

Isn’t is great when everything is going just swimmingly?

Well, yeah.

But then what happens when it doesn’t?

Your principal wants to observe you, you just found out you have to facilitate a giant PD, or you were asked to work with that tricky teacher in the building…and all of a sudden, you become very, very uncomfortable.

It happens to Peyton all the time. An interception, a sack, an arena full of screaming football fans. But do you see him fall apart and hide behind the Gatorade table? Nope.

Because he knows that when he’s uncomfortable, he’s getting better.

So let’s take a lesson from Peyton.

Instead of running from those uncomfortable situations, let’s run towards them. Bring it on!

2. Devote Yourself to Intense Preparation

This is a big one for Peyton. Even though this is his 18th season in the NFL, he still works his
be-hind off like it’s his first year. Peyton reviews tape intensely, works out like a madman, and works to figure out all the variables so that on game day he is as ready as possible for whatever the opposing team may bring into the stadium.

And that’s how it should be for us too, especially since we have such a high stakes game to play everyday.

Make sure your lessons are tight, copies are made, and all materials are accounted for.

Make time to plan for your coaching convos – think through the focus questions you want to ask, anticipate what your coachee might say in response and how you’ll direct the conversation from there. Identify a small, actionable next step that will really make a difference

3. Be Prepared to Adjust

The reality is, that no matter how well planned you are, things won’t always go just as you had envisioned. And you’ll need to adjust.

The ability to adjust, is the ability to be responsive to whatever you may have observed or anything that has changed in the moment you’re in.

This is a skill, and it’s a good one to practice. Trust your instincts, your professional judgment, and make smart “in the moment” decisions to move your team (students/teachers) and yourself forward.

And this applies to bigger picture stuff too. There may be a change in leadership or a new curriculum to roll-out. Things are always changing, especially in education, but that’s ok.

We’re prepared to adjust.

4. Invest in a Coach

Since Peyton’s been playing so long, you’d think he wouldn’t need or want a coach anymore right? Nope.

As Peyton said in his Leadercast talk, “As soon as someone stops wanting to be coached, taught or mentored they are in trouble. The landscape of the sports field changes, just as the landscape of your business.  Coaching keeps you on the top of your game.”

Say it Peyton!

And coaches, don’t forget – we need coaches too. Do your best to seek this out. Ask for feedback, learn from others, and keep working to get better.

5. Become a Master Observer

As coaches, we have the unique opportunity to visit several classrooms each week. To see different teachers deliver different lessons, and then watch how kids engage in the work.

As teachers, we have the special opportunity to be a part of a classroom full of unique learners, sorting through all kinds of different work and learning.

And there is so much to learn from each of these moments.

You just have to pay attention.

When you become a master observer in this way, as Peyton is, constantly seeking to figure things out, you’re able to gather so much super valuable “data” that will help you be a better leader for your team.

6. Build Relationships and Instill Trust

“Trust does not come from the position occupied by the leader. It is earned by example and over time.”

Oooo. That’s a tweet-able. Tweet tweet.

Building relationships and instilling trust is the foundation of all the work you do in classrooms and with teachers. Without it, you don’t have much.

So, what do you think – are you one of the Game Changers in your school?

Let me know which of these traits really hits home with you in the comments below.

For me…I’m not sure I’m Peyton Manning status yet, but I’m going to keep working at it.

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And you better know I’ll be rocking my Peyton Manning jersey at school today, and also screaming loudly for a Broncos victory this weekend.

Go Broncos!!

ms-houser

 

 

P.S. If you thought this post was fun to read, and others might enjoy reading it as well, I would really appreciate it if you shared it with your friends using the buttons below. Thanks!

P.P.S If you don’t like Peyton Manning or the Broncos…say what??!! But ok, fine. We can still be friends. Maybe just not this weekend :)

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13 Responses to “What Coaches and Teachers Can Learn from Peyton Manning”

  1. Iris October 30, 2015 at 9:10 am #

    This email could not have arrived at a better time for me. This has been the most uncomfortable week that I have had as a coach–I will not complain or wonder why things are happening as they are, I will thrive! Thanks for your words of encouragement and inspiration. Many Blessings!

    • Kristin Houser November 1, 2015 at 10:04 am #

      Hi Iris! I’m glad this post helped you see your “uncomfortable” week a bit differently :) Good for you!
      Thanks,
      Kristin

  2. Jill October 30, 2015 at 9:28 am #

    LOVED this post!!! I am a Wisconsinite and a Packer fan. My significant other is from Indiana, he is a Colts and die hard Manning fan. We now cheer on the Colts, Packers and Broncos. This weekend will be great no matter who wins in our house. I really liked this quote… “As soon as someone stops wanting to be coached, taught or mentored they are in trouble. The landscape of the sports field changes, just as the landscape of your business. Coaching keeps you on the top of your game.”
    And will be using it in some upcoming professional growth/development.

    • Kristin Houser November 1, 2015 at 10:05 am #

      Thanks Jill! It sounds like it’s going to be a fun night in your house tonight :) I’m still crossing my fingers tight for a Broncos victory. Thanks for being a part of the MsHouser community.
      Kristin

  3. Aimee Bartis October 30, 2015 at 10:37 am #

    Excellent post!! I love Peyton and I love the points you made! Peyton’s quote about coaching is going on my email signature
    Thanks

  4. Molly Pace October 30, 2015 at 1:46 pm #

    I love this post! Very inspiring. Thank you.

  5. Stephanie October 31, 2015 at 7:00 am #

    This is an AMAZING post and it came right on time! Thank you so much for sharing. I am going to pass it along to several of my friends who are coaches too. We are all dealing with the fact that we have to get comfortable being uncomfortable everyday.

    • Kristin Houser November 1, 2015 at 10:06 am #

      Thanks Stephanie, and thanks so much for spreading the word to your coaching buddies! I know, the being uncomfortable one is the toughest one for me too :)
      Kristin

  6. Traci October 31, 2015 at 2:22 pm #

    Really great thoughts and quotes for my work this year.
    Just wondering, did I miss where number 4 is?

    • Kristin Houser November 1, 2015 at 10:07 am #

      Thanks Traci! Good catch…I misnumbered, but fixed it. Thanks!
      Kristin

  7. Kristin Chesterman November 2, 2015 at 6:25 am #

    Being from Indiana, I’m still mourning that Peyton is not a Colt anymore, but I highly respect him as both a player and a person! Couldn’t have picked a better example for all of us as coaches to follow…LOVED everything about this post! Thanks for sharing!

  8. Rebecca November 22, 2015 at 7:15 pm #

    Oh my goodness. I LOVE this post! Definitely sharing it. :)

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