Is Tony Dungy's Coaching Style a Model for Today's Leader?

Expert says that from a leadership point of view, Tony Dungy's coaching success can be explained by three factors - he believes in his team, he holds them accountable, and he provides a supportive environment.

Orlando, FL (PRWeb) February 5, 2007 -- Tom Connellan, author of the New York Times Bestseller "Bringing Out the Best in Others" says it's apparent that Tony Dungy's coaching style matches that of the best leaders in business. "My research shows that top leaders bring out the extra 5% or 10% that makes the difference between a good team and a great one with three straightforward coaching tools."

1. They believe in them.

2. They hold them accountable.

3. They provide a supportive environment.

Most leaders use some degree of all three skills; very few use all three in a manner that consistently gets the performance levels they want. Some overdo accountability and underdo support. Some overdo support and underdo accountability.

What's needed, according to Connellan, is to have all three elements in place, in balance, and in alignment -- all the time.

"Tony's unflappable," says Connellan. "And if you watch him on the sidelines, you can see him applying all three elements in a steady manner. He doesn't yell, doesn't scream, and doesn't throw fits. He just gets results. Best of all, he gets results without burning out himself or anyone else."

"And," adds Connellan, "that's a perfect model for today's business leader who has to get results in today's increasingly competitive marketplace. Yelling may make the coach feel better, but it seldom helps the coachee perform better." And that, says Connellan is what it's all about -- helping the team perform at a peak level.

Connellan admits the three factors are simple, but insists that they are also deceptively powerful.

Connellan is a former program director and research associate at the Michigan Business School and a best selling author. As a business keynote speaker, his clients include Neiman Marcus, GE, Marriott, ADP, Home Depot, and the military.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Thomas K. Connellan, Ph.D.

407-876-8258

734-428-1580

www.tomconnellan.com

###