Creed, the sixth installment of the Rocky franchise, is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Along with War Room, this is the best movie I have seen in 2015. This is no exaggeration, Sylvester Stallone playing the aging Rocky Balboa, deserves an Oscar. There are some scenes, especially visiting Adrianne’s grave and an initial visit to the doctor, which are absolutely heartbreaking. As great a performance as anything you will ever see.
Regarding the story, Balboa reluctantly decides to train his former friend Apollo Creed’s son Adonis Johnson, played brilliantly by Michael B. Jordan. Their mentoring relationship is the emotional centerpiece of the movie. Of course, the film builds towards an inspirational fight which does not disappoint.
This is the must see movie of the Thanksgiving weekend. Do not miss this as you will enjoy watching Stallone deliver the best work of his career.
The following are 32 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From Creed:
- Great Leaders Build Things That Last – The original Rocky opened on November 21, 1976. This was 39 YEARS AGO! Sylvester Stallone has kept this entertainment franchise relevant and interesting for four decades! How many leaders can make that statement?
- Your Past Does Not Have To Define You – Johnson was a product of Apollo’s infidelity and abandoned as a child. Creed’s widow, Mary Anne played by Phylicia Rashad, gave him a future by rescuing him from juvenile detention.
- Great Leaders Prepare Privately Before Receiving Praise Publicly – Johnson started his boxing career with no fanfare or acclaim in Mexican underground rings.
- “No” Means “Next Opportunity” – Despite constant rejection Johnson continually pressed forward in his dream to become a professional boxer.
- Our Choices Have Consequences – When Johnson told Mary Anne he was going into boxing, she said, “Apollo didn’t get hurt. He got killed.”
- Leaders Must Take Personal Responsibility For Their Decisions – Mary Anne added, “You are your father’s son. You are part of him. But you don’t have to be him.”
- All Leadership Assignments Are Temporary – When Johnson asked Rocky how he defeated Creed, he said, “Time takes everybody out. It is undefeated.”
- Successful Leaders Have Options – Rocky asked Johnson, “Why would you pick a fighter’s life when you don’t have to?”
- The Greatest Leaders Were Reluctant Leaders – The greatest leaders did not politic or maneuver for a position. The position found them. They were summoned by someone else. Being summoned has a built-in understanding that you have nothing to prove and have been prepared for the assignment.
- Leaders Must Be Willing To Pay A Higher Price – Johnson began training in obscurity simply for the opportunity to box.
- Success Smells Like Sweat – Balboa told Johnson, “You’ve got to work hard. If you don’t do that, I’m out.”
- Fundamentals Are Keys To Success – Balboa started Johnson’s training by making him chase chickens, jump rope and do many of boxing’s basics.
- Great Leaders Elevate The Performance Of Those Around Them – Balboa pushed Johnson saying, “That bell don’t mean school’s out. Keep going Donny.”
- The Toughest Leadership Challenge You Face Is Self-Leadership – Balboa told Johnson as they looked in mirror, “That’s the toughest opponent when you get in the ring or in life.”
- Growing Old Can Be Emotionally Painful – Balboa was lonely.
- Growing Old Can Be Physically Painful – Balboa was sick.
- Leaders Must Win The Mental Battle Before They Win The Physical Battle – Balboa noted, “This is how I work. I can’t hold the pads but I’m working with this (Johnson’s mind).”
- Listening Skills Are The Most Underrated Leadership Skill – Balboa told Johnson, “You can’t learn anything when you’re talking.”
- Successful Leaders Embrace A Process – Balboa’s approach to training was “One step at a time. One punch at a time. One round at a time.”
- Successful Leaders Embrace Coaching – Not once during the film did Johnson argue with what Balboa was teaching him.
- Everyone Gets Better With Coaching – Each time Johnson implemented Balboa’s coaching, he became more successful in the ring.
- Leaders Are Not Passive – Balboa’s strategy for facing the lightweight champion was, “He’s the champion. You have to take it to him.”
- Smart Leaders Are Always Looking Forward – Balboa reflected, “Everything I’ve got’s moved on. My life’s in the past.”
- The Danger Of Unforgiveness – Johnson’s inability to forgive his father for not being in his life almost consumed him.
- Great Leaders Honor The Past – This movie paid much homage to Rocky I and II. Very classy. There were many similar storylines that added a nice touch.
- A Leader’s Greatest Gift Is Often Their Memory – Johnson fought for the title in his father’s trunks.
- Leaders Expect The Absolute Best From Their Teams – Balboa said, “What matters is what you took from the ring – your pride.”
- Production Matters To Leaders – The boxing announcer noted, “He’s got the name. Does he have the game? Can he fight?”
- Successful Leaders Have Paid The Price Needed For Success – Balboa inspired Johnson by reminding him, “You belong in here (the championship ring). They don’t know what you’ve been through. And they sure don’t know what we’ve been through.”
- The Problem Is To Identify The Right Problems – Prior to their championship fight, Balboa told Johnson, “It’s you against you. He’s just in the way.”
- Every Human Life Has Meaning And Purpose – Johnson said, “I’m going to prove I’m not a mistake.”
- A Good Name Is Rather To Be Chosen Than Great Riches – Balboa summed up his relationship with Johnson, “You’re a Creed and I love you kid.”
In conclusion, Creed is an incredible film. Go see it this weekend and tell me what you think.
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