Rex vs Pat---No Contest

One of the most important characteristics of being a great leader is toughness, being able to deal with adversity.  Over the last couple of weeks there have two major news stories that demonstrate how leaders deal with adversity.  Remembering that followers pick up "cues" from their leaders and athletes often mimic their coaches, the contrast in these reactions by two high profile coaches provide an interesting pair of case studies.

A week ago, at the Jets vs Patriots game, the always affable Rex Ryan over-reacted to a fan's taunt ("Rex, Belicheck is better than you.") by responding and being captured on video, "Shut the f*** up!"  As a second offense, the NFL levied a $75,000 fine on the volatile Ryan.  Rex explained, "This is who I am.....I'm about as big a competitor as there is and, at that time, I was in no mood to hear anything, but I also have to handle that better."  Observing those comments, the one things that stands out like a sore thumb is the number of I's in Ryan's comments.  This statement demonstrates not only a lack of toughness of dealing with some innocuous banter but also the focus of the leader is all about himself.  What message does that send to his players?

Compare Coach Ryan's reaction to that of UT Volunteers' Coach Pat Summitt, who was recently diagnosed with early onset dementia.  Her first public reaction was, "there is not going to be any pity party and I will make sure of that."  She emphasized that her opportunity to coach the Lady Vols was an honor and now would become more of a team effort.  "I love being your coach and the privilege  to go to work every day with our outstanding student-athletes."  Summitt (unlike Ryan) did not talk about her challenges but rather about how her UT family would persevere.  Her strength, determination and toughness have a significant effect on the UT family and serves as as constant reminder of the traits Summitt demonstrated over her 1,071 career wins.  As former Vol superstar, Candace Parker, tweeted to Summitt, "Coach you never cease to amaze me with your strength and courage.  Whenever you face adversity you tackle it head on."

It is pretty clear to see which of these two coaches understand leadership and who is focused on their own personal agenda.