http://youtu.be/KTSFMv-OdG8

Today, Wisconsin Badger running back Melvin Gordon rushed for a FBS record 408 yards against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  Gordon’s performance placed him as the leading candidate to win this year’s Heisman Trophy.  See the video above for a 5 touchdown performance earlier this year against Bowling Green.

As we look at previous interviews and features on Wisconsin’s star player, we see what makes him such a great leader.

  • Great Leaders Accept Great Responsibility – In a August 1st pre-season interview with USA Today, Gordon said, “Now I have to grow up and I’m ready for the challenge.”
  • Great Leaders Set High Standards For Themselves And Others – Furthermore, he added,” When (younger players) see you slacking … they might think it’s OK to slack, too, when it’s not.  You have to be leader. You have to understand, and you have to have a Grade-A performance in whatever you do.”

http://youtu.be/piyiqLbAOeI

In the interview shown above with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, we learn 7 additional leadership lessons from Gordon:

  • Great Leaders Understand Proper Timing – Gordon said, “It’s my time to carry the load.”
  • Great Leaders Are Goal-Setters – Gordon came into the season on a mission.  He went on, “I came back to be one of the best backs in the nation.”
  • Great Leaders Sense Opportunity And Are Ready To Seize It – With excitement Gordon proclaimed, “It’s my time to shine.  I’m ready to do it.  I’m ready to go.”
  • Great Leaders Understand The Importance Of Their Individual Contributions To The Team’s Success – Gordon realized, “The team and coaches are counting on me and relying on me to make plays.”
  • Great Leaders Take Nothing For Granted – Great leaders guard against complacency.  Gordon admitted, “I’ve been in a position where you mess up you might not get another carry.  So in my head that’s why I try to take every one to the house.”
  • Great Leaders Place Team Success Over Personal Accomplishments – Gordon said, “If you’re not working to get there (play-offs), I think you’re in the wrong the profession.”
  • Great Leaders Know Great Competition Makes Them Better – As a leader, you get better by competing against better competition.  Gordon admitted, “They’re some other guys (Todd Gurley and T.J. Yeldon) out there trying to be great so you can’t lag.  I do feel like one of the top backs in the nation.”

Gordon’s feelings have proven accurate.  He has earned the right to be called the best back in the nation.  What can you learn as a leader from Gordon’s performance?

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