What Can Dentists Learn About Leadership from Marshawn Lynch?

Leadership is a difficult concept to teach. It’s easier to show an example of a good leader than to describe what makes a good leader.

For this example, we’ll turn to the colorful Marshawn Lynch, Mr. Beast Mode himself. What can we learn about leadership from Marshawn Lynch? From this clip, just about everything. Cue the video…

Well, what did you learn about leadership? Perhaps you should watch it again…

To whom did Marshawn give the credit? Did his lavishing praise of his linemen diminish his own success? Did you feel sincerity in his praise? Do you think his linemen want Marshawn to succeed? Do you think his linemen will block for him again next game? How much harder will his line work for him next time? From the look on the lineman’s face in the video, my guess is that he would not only block for Marshawn, but he would go to battle with and die for Marshawn.

A state championship, a Heisman Trophy bid, several Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl Championship all prove that the linemen who block for Marshawn Lynch are working for much more than a paycheck. He is able to bring out the very best they have to offer. After seeing this video, it’s easy to see why.

So what about you and your team? Do you frequently and sincerely express your appreciation for their hard work and contribution to the team? Do you let them know how important they are to the success of the team? Do you really mean it? Do you view your staff as expenses that should be cut? Or do you realize that without them, like a running back without a good line, you’ll get killed?

So the next time you’re tempted to disparage your staff or take all the recognition yourself, remember Marshawn and instead take them to Sizzler! Translation: when you succeed, give your staff the appreciation and recognition they deserve. Doing so will give you a long, illustrious career.