Making Good on Good Intentions

Despite my best intentions, when I was a kid I’d occasionally fail to do my chores. When this happened, my dad would admonish me by saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

I have to admit that Dad’s wisdom didn’t mean much to me then. I thought it was just one of those crazy things that parents said to make their children feel guilty. However, upon reaching adulthood and becoming a business leader, I learned what he was talking about. It’s critical to possess more than mere intentions—it’s imperative to make good on them.

A former grad-school professor of mine, Warren Bennis, who is considered a modern-day sage in the study of leadership, wrote in an article:

“Individuals who are recognized as leaders possess a common characteristic . . .  ‘commitment,’ which gives them the ability to translate intention into reality, and to sustain it with action and behavior. This commitment is grounded in a set of positive beliefs coupled with an equally appropriate set of positive actions and behaviors. Without action and behavior, there is no commitment . . . merely good intentions. Effective leaders set the right example, serving as role models, having actions that speak louder than words, standing up for what they think are the ‘right’ things, showing the way, holding to the purpose, and espousing positive beliefs.”

A Role Model

One of the greatest leaders of the current age, I believe, is Tony Dungy, head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl–winning Indianapolis Colts. During the past few years, I have had the great fortune of meeting with him a few times. With each encounter, I have become more impressed with him, not just as an outstanding football coach, but also as a genuine, compassionate, humble human being, and as a genuine role model.

I was thrilled when I recently received his book, Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life, for my birthday. Thousands of books have been written about leadership, and I’ve read quite a few. But I can honestly say that none was as inspiring as this one.

The book describes football strategy and stories, but anyone can appreciate its messages—about commitment, patience, loyalty, faith, coping with tragedy and adversity, and the purpose of life on this earth. Tony doesn’t pontificate about what a great leader he is, or how he masterminded a winning season. Rather, he talks about how fortunate he is to have achieved what he has by following his beliefs and values. He speaks to the human soul.