One of my favorite former NFL coaches is Tony Dungy, @TonyDungy, now an NFL commentator.

One of the reasons is because of the way he treats people and the way he spoke to his team.*

When you read Quiet Strength, you will be filled with wonder as Coach Dungy talks about his time in the NFL as a coach, and the way in which he talked to his team.   I say “wonder” because Coach Dungey spoke differently to his team than most coaches.  He spoke to them with respect.

The NFL (or football in general) is filled with coaches who are yellers.  Tearing people down, humiliating them, cursing at them, and verbally disrespecting them. One of my sons was a high school football player and one of the assistant coaches was a yeller.  The only thing good I could say about that is that he was an equal opportunity yeller—he yelled at everyone.  Coaches yelling at their players in football is commonplace.

What is outcome of someone like Tony, who spoke with respect to his team?  A bunch of losers?  Weak-kneed football players that couldn’t compete?  No, quite the opposite.  Tony Dungy coached the Indianapolis Colts to go on to win a Super Bowl!   The ultimate of success.

Quiet Strength reveals that you don’t have to be “hard on your people” or obnoxious, or toxic, or belligerent to get them to follow and perform.  Respecting them for who they are, professionals who worked hard to get to the top of their profession, is the better way.  Our attitude must be that they are professionals who deserve respect.  Additionally, every person, no matter where they are from or their financial background or ethnicity, are created in the image of God and deserve our respect.  The way you relate and talk to them is a key element of showing that respect.

As leaders, especially Servant Leaders, we can be encouraged by Tony Dung’s example.  When you speak to your team, or employees with respect they WANT to follow you and perform at their highest level.  And when they do, they can hold their head up high and know they were at their best.

*Thoughts and opinions of Tony’s book are my own and do not necessarily represent his intent. This is not a paid endorsement.