One of the most admired and beloved figures in professional sports, Tony Dungy’s name is synonymous with character and integrity. A former professional football player, he coached the Indianapolis Colts for seven years, becoming the first African American coach to win the Super Bowl. Since his retirement, he has written two best-selling books, Quiet Strength and Uncommon, and is an analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. Involved in the work of many not-for-profit organizations, he also takes an active role in mentoring younger athletes. Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, will talk to him about his new book, The Mentor Leader, and how to positively influence others through personal coaching.
Tony interview by Craig Groeschel
- Where did the concept of a mentoring leader come from?
- His dad and Coach Chuck Noll
- Your job is to help the players get better.
- Instead of trying to be an authoritarian, Tony’s philosophy is to build a respectful relationships and demonstrate he’s on their side.
- Work/life balance
- Tony mentored his coaches and players to live a balanced life. Football and winning is not the most important thing. Family and faith are more important.
- Tony modeled family values by having a facility that was open to kids.
- Don’t mistake hours for productivity.
- How do you find a mentor?
- First, we have to be available to mentor people.
- Find people you admire.
- Mentors can mentor from afar. Sometimes books and a few minutes with someone you admire can impact your life.
- A mentor doesn’t have to be an icon.
- Craig: Everyone should have a Paul (mentor) and a Timothy (mentee) in their life.
- What does mentoring look like?
- The mentor needs to find out what the mentee needs.
- There can be formal meeting times, but informal times together can be so much more powerful.
- Have you had a life-changing moment?
- Quit football his senior year in high school. His junior high principle called him and told him not to let someone else stop him from pursuing his dream.
- Craig: Don’t underestimate what a few words could have on a person.
- What type of person would you look for to invest in?
- Young people who have a lot of potential.
- Be intentional about mentoring kids that don’t have a dad at home.
- Will you coach again?
- Probably not. I feel called to minister to kids who are younger.
- Who was the most important mentor in your life?
- Mom & Dad, Christ has been the best mentor.
- Who is Christ to you?
- The night before the Superbowl he told his team, “What is it for a man to gain the world but lose your soul.”
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