“Pinball” Clemons reveals how humility and discipline can help leaders score a touchdown
Michael “Pinball” Clemons’ on-field accomplishments as a football player are legendary, but his exceptional off-field character also earned him respect.
Clemons, a former football hero and coach and current Vice-Chair of the Toronto Argonauts, spoke with Ivey MBA students on March 29 about how his two personal leadership values, humility and discipline, helped him in his career.
He said the real leaders and heroes in society are not “prima donna” athletes, but people who work selflessly and help others. His own community involvement and participation in charitable causes made him a strong role model.
He stressed that with humility and discipline, leaders will learn throughout their careers, continually and repeatedly strive to do their best and teach others what they have learned.
Clemons encouraged the students to embrace their roles as leaders to improve society and to balance their priorities between success and family. Sharing stories of his playing days and inspirational sentiments about growing up with an overwhelming commitment and love for his family, he also stressed the value of team work. Clemons said leadership is about understanding that every player on the team is affected by outcomes in the same way.
“Life is not about stuff, it is about people. Create a culture where people can thrive,” he said.
He further urged the students to try to understand what drives their own motivation and demand accountability from themselves so they won’t have regrets.
“(Leaders should) never want to change what they have done, even if their lives depended on it,” he said. “Real leadership takes courage. Great leadership is the exception.”