5 Leadership Lessons From Christian Ponder

The Florida State Seminoles QB Christian Ponder is the 2nd ranked player at his position in this year’s NFL Draft class.  Ponder, a 5th year Senior, is a unique individual.

In the August 23rd edition of the USA Today, Ponder’s leadership skills were analyzed.  There are several things that leaders can learn from this Heisman candidate.

1. Self-Control – Ponder’s 2009 season ended abruptly when he was injured tackling a player who had just intercepted one of his passes.  “I was so mad and frustrated I let my emotions get the best of me” he said.  The only difference between anger and danger is a “d”.  Leaders, are you quick-tempered or lack self-discipline in any area?  
2. Intelligence – Ponder has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, a Master’s in Business Administration, and working on a 2nd Master’s in Sports Management.  During his recruitment, Bobby Bowden said “his grades caught your attention.  You knew he wasn’t going to have any trouble adjusting academically.”  Leaders, are you continually learning?
3. Energy – People follow Ponder because “of the way he carries himself.”  He is very vocal and will bring accountability to his teammates.  DT Everett Dawkins said “we love him.  We feed off his energy.”  We all have the same amount of time.  We don’t have the same amount of energy.  Leaders, how are you in the area of energy management?
4. Creativity – Because of his athleticism, Ponder became very creative with his legs which compensated for an inexperienced offensive line.  Leaders, how are you creatively addressing the weaknesses in your organization?
5. Success – Because of his intelligence and experience, Ponder is extremely advanced as a player.  As a result, Ponder is now focused on ensuring the skill position players are going to be successful as well as the entire team.  “The biggest thing as a quarterback is to put your team in the best position to be successful.  That’s what I’m focused on.”  Leaders, are you focused on making others successful?

Self-Control, Intelligence, Energy, Creativity, and Success are the reasons that I feel Christian Ponder will be the winner of this year’s Heisman Trophy.  If you are proficient in these areas, your leadership will be successful and rewarding as well.

Let’s start a sports conversation.  Who do you think is winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy and why?

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