By Brie Ragland, AutoInc. Correspondent
 LAS VEGAS — Archie Manning, all-American quarterback and former NFL MVP, delivered a motivational keynote address during the opening general session of the inaugural Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) Thursday, Nov. 6. Sharing with attendees four principles of success that translate from the football field to the business world, Manning used humor and stories of humility to inspire all to go forward and be successful in their automotive service or collision repair businesses.
The first principle of success that Manning impressed upon the audience was leadership. Whether it be the quarterback of a professional football team, a shop owner running a family business, or a technician who repairs or services automobiles, Manning said everyone needs to own and maintain an attitude of leadership.
“Everyone needs to take the lead in motivating,” said Manning. “It is imperative to create a positive environment regardless of title or position. Any individual, any company will be more successful if they develop this kind of attitude toward leadership.”
In every profession, there are those high achievers who stand out, make the big play and steal the spotlight. Based on Manning’s second principle of success however, it is that company that focuses on teamwork that will succeed above all others. Manning suggested that everything an individual in a company accomplishes is the result of help and cooperation of other people on their team. “The surest way to get better at what you do is to help others on your team get better,” said Manning.
 To prove his third principle, the importance of flexibility, Manning said, “Long term success is built not only on following your plan, but knowing what to do when your plan does not work.” He suggested that flexible people are the first ones to see opportunities and take advantage of the new direction they’ve been pointed in.
He stole a quote from his middle son, Peyton, and said, “What does life and a 300-pound defensive end have in common? … They both have the ability to punish a man who is not willing to move.”
Manning’s most important principle came to him after he figured out that he played 15 years of professional football, played for 12 different head coaches, was sacked 450 times and had only one season when he threw for over 4,000 yards. “The greatest rewards don’t always come from winning the game, but rather from playing the game,” he said. “You’ve got to be willing to play the game.”
Manning talked about his 1980 season and how his team lost 15 games out of the 16 played. He said that the people those days were going through an economically difficult time much like we are today, and that had its impact not only on society and his personal life, but on his industry as well. “No matter how hard the times, or how bad the standings, we went out there every Sunday, put on our uniforms and played that game.”
He encouraged attendees to not be discouraged by the negative effects the economy is having on the automotive service and repair industry, but to go out there and play their game – to keep their attitude of leadership, to work as a team, and to be flexible no matter how painful it may be.
He concluded by saying, “Amateurs are those who play because they want to win. Professionals win because they come to play. So, play every down. Wake-up every morning, suit-up and play the game.”
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Nov. 5-8, 2008
