8.6 Tony Dungy: Servant Leadership

“The best leaders are the best servants.”- Tony Dungy

Would you consider yourself a selfish leader or a servant leader?

Have you ever heard the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats?” This means that when one person does well, we all do well. When overall conditions get better, everyone benefits, not just a few.

And when things get better for the group, they usually get better for you, too.

That is why servant leadership can be so impactful.

Tony Dungy is a former professional football player and coach who made history in 2007 when he led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI, becoming the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl.

He is also known to be a servant leader. Coach Dungy once said, “The best leaders are the best servants.”

Leaders set the direction, vision, tone, and values. Servant leaders do that and then say and ask, “I’m here to help. What can I do to help?”

Instead of putting themselves first, servant leaders focus on helping their teammates succeed, grow, and reach their potential. They listen well, support others, and lead by example. Their influence comes not from a title, but from earning trust, showing care, and putting people first.

The best leaders I know are not only great themselves, but they help the people around them be great as well. They find like-minded people and compete with, not against them. They find ways to give back and help others.

Every team and room is better because they are on it or in it. Servant leaders make everyone and everything better, also making themselves better in the process.

Something to Think About: How can you be more of a servant leader?