Tough Talks Book Series

Saying goodbye to Peyton: a very difficult conversation

Did you catch last Wednesday’s announcement that Peyton Manning’s contract with the Indianapolis Colts was not renewed? What a heart breaker of a difficult conversation. But what a great lesson on how to deliver bad news.

Colts owner Jim Irsay and fellow Colts executives had made the very difficult decision to let Peyton go and become a free agent. Peyton Manning wasn’t surprised. He knew that his health was still an unknown, his desire to play professional football was still strong, and his wonderful team was being dismantled to be rebuilt from the ground up…without him. He knew it was in the best interests of all parties for him to move on.

Both men appeared at the news conference together at the podium. They spoke …

Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in Difficult conversations, Franchises, Sports. Leave a Comment

In the absence of good communication, rumors fill the vacuum

If there is one business where rumors never stop, it’s the professional sports arena. At this time of year, rumors are abundant, especially in the cities of professional football teams. Here in Indianapolis, the rumors surround our future hall of fame quarterback, Peyton Manning. Will he heal from his neck surgeries and be able to play next season? If so, will  he stay in Indianapolis?  Or will he go?

Everyone has an opinion. And these opinions are turning into rumors.  Even actor Rob Lowe has gotten in on it. He tweeted that Peyton was not going to be around another season. How does he know? Well, he’s friends with the Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, so people thought that he does have the inside scoop. …

Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in Sports. Leave a Comment