The Unspoken Bond Between Leaders and Their Wild Cards
When it comes to getting the job done, having the right team behind you is crucial. But what happens when one of those team members is a bit of a loose cannon? That’s where accountability comes in – and it’s a two-way street.
A recent analogy by Big Cat perfectly illustrates this point. He compared me, Nicky Smokes, to Tyrique Stevenson, the NFL player who famously taunted Commanders fans mid-play. As someone who’s also from South Florida, I can attest that we’re a special breed – always pushing the limits and taking risks. But that’s what makes us unique, right?
Big Cat’s point was that as a leader, you have to take responsibility for the actions of your team members. If I do something reckless, he’s accountable too, just like Matt Eberflus is accountable for Stevenson’s antics on the field. It’s not just about reprimanding the individual; it’s about acknowledging that you enabled them to behave in such a way.
Take Mintzy, for example. Whoever gave him the green light to go live without a dump button is just as responsible for the leak of the $1M PPV results. It’s all about owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for the people under your wing.
Big Cat’s words on ESPN Radio really struck a chord with me. He said, “I got a dummy in Nicky Smokes who I love, but if he messes up, I have to say I messed up too because I’m allowing it.” It’s a powerful message – one that resonates both on and off the field.
In the end, accountability is key. If I screw up, it’s on me, but it’s also on the people who gave me the freedom to be myself. Stevenson might get in trouble for taunting, but Eberflus also has to own up to creating an environment where he felt he could get away with it.
I’m grateful for Big Cat’s guidance. He might call me out for being a bit of a wild card, but he does it in a way that makes me want to level up and be better. And that’s what it’s all about – continuous improvement and growth.
So to all those who feel like they’re not quite there yet, keep showing up, keep studying the game, and hold yourself accountable. One day, you’ll get where you want to be. And who knows, you might even get an ESPN Radio shoutout along the way!
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