Leadership - A discussion of traits, characteristics, and current news of leaders.

Gundy said Monday that he was surprised by the attention his outburst has received. Take a look at the story as reported on Good Morning America.

Is Coach Gundy a model of good leadership?

I would play for Coach Mike Gundy. I would work for Coach Mike Gundy. I am not defending his outburst. His anger and rage may have not been the most effective method. He admitted in a press conference two days later that he regretted not having a “prepared statement.” From the Dallas News

"I was just shooting from the hip. I probably should have had a better-prepared speech," said Gundy.

But I was impressed with Mike Gundy’s leadership in this situation for several reasons.

• His focus was for his player who he knows and respects
• He cares about his players even those that are struggling and not the starters
• He was willing to stand and defend his player
• His passion showed how much he cared about the people on his team
• He looked beyond performance to see a person
• He put an individual’s needs before the outcome of the game
• He was able to move on and put the situation behind him once he said his peace

Coach Gundy could have been outraged that this season’s starting QB had failed or that his defense had given up 45 points to Texas Tech. However, he was outraged that a reporter would belittle one of his team. He was not willing to let it stand.

In a press conference two days later, a more calm Gundy explained himself.
 

He showed leadership as he stated,

"I thought it is more important that a young man who is having a difficult time in going through a change where he's been moved to second team and then for somebody to take a cheap shot at him and belittle him in the public eye I thought it was more important that somebody stand up for the player who couldn't stand up for himself."

“I am not against the media ... We move on. I am not mad at anyone … I make mistakes … I am not against anybody … I don’t dislike Jenni … Jenni and I have had a good relationship … I am not mad at her …"

Leaders face challenges daily. Some privately and many public. Leadership is often about character and doing what is right. Coach Gundy took a stand to right a wrong. He took the lead in defending someone from his team.  

I couldn’t agree more with a comment that I read on a blog about Gundy,

“That's what any leader, CEO, lead trial lawyer, fire captain is supposed to do -- protect the people under his command.”