I often joke with my buddies that the announcers and NFL kiss Peyton Manning’s butt so much he’s lucky to be playing because of chafing. He is a great player, but please, as Bill Parcells once said “put away the anointing oil.” He was surrounded by some great talent and although he was the leader, an effective leader shows just how effective they are by how things run when they aren’t around
The risk that runs from kissing up to one employee or one player too much is if that player or employee leaves (or is injured), the team can go to shambles. The Colts last year felt this first hand. Without Manning, the team fell apart.
When you look at your organizational structure, don’t put too much dependence on one person, nor give someone too much credit (even if they may deserve it). Always build in contingencies and support for your team for a day that may come when the person who you lean on is no longer around.
