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Tony Dungy Leadership

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Before I begin my critical book review on The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy, I would like to give a brief background of the author Tony Dungy. Tony Dungy is best known for becoming the first African American coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. Tony Dungy got his start in coaching football when he became an assistant coach for his alma mater, the University of Minnesota. Tony Dungy then moved into the NFL where he was an assistant coach in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, the Kansas City Chief organization, and the Minnesota Vikings organization. Tony Dungy eventually achieved his dream by becoming the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2002, he became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts where he led the organization to …show more content…

Along with their self-confidence, every mentor leader needs an internal sense of security. From the groundwork of security comes the capability to mentor other individuals, to lead them without demanding continuous verification or being diminished by self-doubt. Mentor leaders already have a sense of security in who they are and they are able to devote themselves in assisting other individuals cultivate and develop to their full potential. Attributes that are fundamental to the mentor leadership style include demonstrating courage; modeling faith; and leading by example. Mentor leaders will always be learning and growing, to be mentored themselves. Mentor leaders need to look for opportunities to make an impact in all walks of life. Mentor leaders that make a difference in the lives of others will always be present. Mentor leaders also need to understand that they act as a role model to others. Mentor leaders will be known by their legacy. When Tony Dungy was in Junior High School, the assistant principal Mr. Rockquemore acted as a mentor leader that still sticks with Dungy to this day. Mr. Rockquemore sat with Tony Dungy and his friends during the lunch period and talked to them about things outside of school. Mr. Rockquemore was trying to learn more about Tony Dungy and his friends because he cared about his students. Tony Dungy was about the quit the high school football team when Mr. Rockquemore took him under his wings and mentored the young Tony Dungy. They developed a close relationship. Mr. Rockquemore felt that it was his duty to build into Tony Dungy’s life and to mentor him when he was about to get off track. The culture that one constructs permeates everything you touch in life. The success to any mentor leader is to under-take a culture that supports it. When done successfully, mentor leadership is a constant practice of leading and being led, of developing ourselves and cultivate the future leaders.

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