Russell Bell: Super Bowl shows leadership crucial

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning smiles, center, during a victory rally to celebrate the Bronco's win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, in Denver, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/

Waitangi Day is regarded as our national day, and for many it involved making the most of a holiday and observing the signing of one of this nation's founding documents. While other countries have their own similar observances, the United States has an event which "stops the nation" of great interest to me - and it is purely sport-driven.

Monday NZT, the Waitangi holiday, was the Super Bowl and saw the match up of, easily, the two best teams in the National Football League. One (the Carolina Panthers) had the best offence and the other (the Denver Broncos) had the best defence for the year. It was a dream match-up, and every year the event garners the biggest TV audience for a sporting event in the USA. One tweet I noted basically stated that in the person's house "there are only two days of celebration - Christmas and the Superbowl".

Although it was not a game for the ages, the Broncos won and delivered their quarterback and leader (Peyton Manning) a second Super Bowl and an opportunity to retire at the apex of the sport.

In amongst all of the raving about being "world champions" in a sport which is played on a minority basis everywhere else (if at all), there is an important story here about leadership and the importance of a team approach.

When Manning was "released" by his previous team (the Indianapolis Colts) in favour of what was, ironically, a younger version of himself, he was courted by a number of teams, the Broncos being one of them. I remember the period well and the catch-cry of media, fans and team executives about his leadership qualities and how his presence made any team a 'contender'. Those same things were echoed in yesterday's post-game analysis - what is even more exceptional is that Manning had the worst statistical game of any Super Bowl winning quarterback.

Yes, the rest of his team played sensationally, but Manning still emerged with the prize, even though his personal abilities had waned over the season.

The key is the example that he set. This year he was both injured and playing poorly. He also lost his place to a younger, more physically capable player. But how he responded in what American media love to call "adversity" spoke volumes to his teammates and many remarked how his attitude and example lifted the team in its entirety.

Leadership is an oft-coined phrase but is crucial to team, organisational and business success. Manning often cites those he has learned from and the mentors that have helped build his skills.

Carolina were 80 per cent favourites to win and the Broncos heavy underdogs, the leadership of Manning turned the tables and can also do so in the business sense.

- Balance Consulting is a Wanganui consultancy and also part of the Balance Group. It specialises in business strategy, process excellence and leadership mentoring- if you would like help with any of these please call Russell on 021 244 2421 or John Taylor on 027 499 5872.