The TIME 100

As an assistant coach to Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay in the late '90s, I got a chance to be around him in some pretty tough situations. Most people think football coaches have to scream and intimidate. Tony, 51, has taken the opposite approach. He has a teacher's mentality—if there's a problem, show your guys how to solve it. Today's players are looking for coaches with a strong faith in what they're doing. Tony taught me this lesson, and I think all leaders—politicians, teachers, business managers—can learn from his example. Now, having led the Indianapolis Colts to victory against my Chicago Bears, he's a Super Bowl champ.

Believe me, I wanted to be the first African-American coach to win the Super Bowl. But now that the game is over, I'm quite O.K. with Tony Dungy leading the way. When we met at midfield afterward, he said, "Hey, Lovie, you'll get yours someday." It was pretty neat to hear that. Then again, Tony's actions always have an impact on me. I hope they move you too.

Smith is head coach of the NFC champion Chicago Bears