Leadership Lessons from NFL G.O.A.T


Qualtrics hosted WorkDifferent 2021, a virtual summit that features how-to sessions from the world’s most recognizable brands to discuss the actions they’re taking to move forward. One of the keynote speakers was seven-time Superbowl champion, Tom Brady.

Tom Brady and Qualtrics Founder & Chairman Ryan Smith discussed leading teams and here we’ve highlighted three things every great leader should know.

Care about people and lead from the front.

Overall you must care about the people and give them recognition when they deserve it.

Tom Brady explained when arriving in Tampa he did not come in being a know-it-all, yet he earned the respect and trust of the team by doing the hard work first. Brady says, “when you’re put into leadership roles, you’re there to be a great example for what the team is trying to accomplish.”

Take care of the people you lead and share the success.

When referencing how Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the 2021 Superbowl when the franchise hadn’t made an appearance since 2003, Brady credited their success to his team. People always go to the leader when there is success and when there is a success it should be shared with everyone in the organization.

Free up your mind to be your best self.

Tom Brady admits he can’t do everything as a quarterback, there are other teammates he has to depend on that play defense, tackle, or run the ball. Everyone has a job and as a leader, you have to allow others to do just that. Brady warns if you’re worried about whether or not your teammate is making the best decision, you’re distracting yourself from making the right decision. 

To be the best version of yourself, you have to trust your people to get the job done. For Brady, what makes a great team is having a group of people who all believe they can get something accomplished. You don’t have to worry about them, and they don’t have to worry about you.

Believe in the best of people

Brady explains that people want to be their best self and leaders should provide them with tools to be their best selves. In order to have success, “the culture has to support every individual that’s helping the business succeed and it starts at the top.”

Tom Brady says, “no one wants to do a bad job; nobody wants to do less than they’re capable.” For you to believe that everyone is doing the best they can, you must understand they are doing as good as you’ve equipped them to be.

When a leader believes that person is doing the best, you can move from disappointment, frustration, and resentment to teaching and helping them grow.

If you want to check out more from the Qualtrics Work Different event click here. 

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