Anyone remember this exchange about a year ago, when Dak Prescott revealed his depression & difficulty with isolation & the loss of his brother to suicide?
Talking head Skip Bayless would go on to say: you can’t be the leader of America’s Team…you can’t be a leader of men, showing that kinda weakness. Guys won’t follow you.
I’ve seen this pic of Dak’s marker message on his wrist tape making its rounds, but wanted to put my own twist on it. Dak, in the face of Skip Bayless’ comments is proving the naysayers wrong. He’s not only leading men…he’s 5-1 & is quarterbacking one of arguably the most lethal offenses in the league.
Robin Lehner is doing it as a starting goalie for the Golden Knights. Hayden Hurst is doing it as a starting Tight End for the Atlanta Falcons. Solomon Thomas is doing it as a starting Defensive Tackle for the Vegas Raiders.
These are just SOME of the examples of active players, in combat sports – hockey & football in this case. There are fortunately now countless others – in men’s & women’s team sports who are showing the world – facing challenges, & being open about how they impact your mental health doesn’t take away your leadership abilities or the way you’re looked at by the team.
In fact, the opposite is most often true. They enhance your leadership capabilities because you show transparency & the ability to overcome. People want to work with & team up with people who are flat out real. That’s way more important than appearing “perfect.”
Thanks to Dak & now the many other leaders who are showing (not just on the ball field, but in the office, & in life generally), that the perspectives we gain from the challenges we face, become our super powers that drive us to success.