Career Lessons From Peyton Manning

By Dennis McCafferty

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Game Smarts Over Paper Smarts

Manning is one of the smartest QBs on the field, but his scouting-combine score on the Wonderlic intelligence test was only 28—below Tom Brady’s 33. Lesson Learned: There are different kinds of intelligence that can bring value to the organization.
Perfecting One Unique Talent

Manning doesn't have a particularly strong arm or pretty pass anymore, but he excels at pinpoint ball placement. Lesson Learned: Focus on making yourself great at one key skill.
Sticking With It

After multiple neck surgeries, Manning could barely pick up a football in 2011. This year, he threw for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns—league records. Lesson Learned: Overcoming adversity is the mark of professional excellence and leadership.
Optimal Work Ethic

Manning’s work ethic—and the dedication he inspires among teammates—is so legendary that his college coach worried that he might “wear out” his receivers. Lesson Learned: When you work hard, you motivate team members to do the same.
Unmatched Preparation

Manning watches endless hours of opponents’ game film, as well as his own practices. Lesson Learned: Projects go more smoothly when you prepare for everything in advance.
Agile Execution

Because he's prepared, Manning instantly grasps how the opposition is planning to stop him and changes the play, formation, etc., at the line of scrimmage. Lesson Learned: With the rapid pace of tech changes, you must be ready to alter your game plan on the fly.
Personal Touch, Part I

Manning gets to know every member of his organization--from the owner to the coaches to the players to the support staff. Lesson Learned: The relationships you build at work speak to the strength of your character.
Personal Touch, Part II

Manning responds to selected fan mail with handwritten letters. He also sends personal notes to retiring players, coaches, and the widows of former players and coaches. Lesson Learned: Sending an email is fine, but a thoughtful handwritten note makes a lasting impression.
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When he takes to the field on Super Bowl Sunday, probable Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will cap off a season that could be considered the best of any football player in history. It’s even more impressive when you consider all the adversity he’s overcome along the way: Manning has never been blessed with the amazing physical skills of some other elite quarterbacks, and a devastating 2011 neck injury nearly ended his career. At that point, Manning faced tremendous self-doubt after his first team, the Indianapolis Colts, subsequently cut him. Now with the Denver Broncos, Manning is playing at a peak performance level at the "advanced age" of 37. So regardless of whether his team wins on Sunday, it’s an opportune time to assess his admirable personal traits and how they provide relevant lessons learned for professionals who want to enhance their performance and careers. From his intuition to his work ethic to his relationships with colleagues and fans, Manning has distinguished himself as an achiever—conveying qualities that would be of value to any professional in a business setting. The following information was compiled from numerous news reports about Manning throughout his career.

This article was originally published on 2014-01-30

Dennis McCafferty is a freelance writer for Baseline Magazine.

Career Lessons From Peyton Manning

Game Smarts Over Paper Smarts

Perfecting One Unique Talent

Sticking With It

Optimal Work Ethic

Unmatched Preparation

Agile Execution

Personal Touch, Part I

Personal Touch, Part II