Great leaders earn the respect of those around them — not through words, but through consistent actions. They set the tone for their teams, inspire trust, and bring others along with them. University of Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is quickly proving to be one of those leaders, and his approach provides a masterclass in how respect is truly earned.
5 Ways Leaders Earn Respect: The Gunner Stockton Blueprint
The following are five ways leaders earn respect we learn from the presumptive starting quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs:
1. Leaders Do The Right Things — Even When No One Is Watching
Head coach Kirby Smart put it best in this article when he said of Stockton, “He’s a tremendous leader, but that’s nothing I didn’t already know. … He’s done everything right since he’s been here.”
Leaders do not take shortcuts. Stockton (and those like him) show up early, stay late, and put in the extra work. His preparation speaks volumes. Stockton writes and rewrites notes, studies film relentlessly, and never leaves a teammate behind. That level of dedication gets noticed. When others see a leader putting in the work, they naturally follow.
2. Leaders Have A Deep Knowledge Of Their Craft — And Teach It to Others
Respect is given to those who have earned it, and in a locker room, knowledge is one of the greatest currencies. Stockton has “a lot of knowledge of our system,” Smart noted, and that is a major reason his teammates rally around him.
Receiver Dominic Lovett shared how Stockton is not just learning the game for himself — he is passing that knowledge on: “He’ll mentor the youngest guys, not only at quarterback but the receivers, the O-linemen who may have trouble. He helps those guys.”
Great leaders are great teachers. They make the people around them better. They are not threatened by competition — they welcome it. They are not concerned with keeping all the information to themselves — they share it. Stockton embodies this principle, and it is a big reason why his teammates respect him.
3. Leaders Bring Positive Energy
Attitude determines a leader and their team’s altitude. The best leaders set the emotional thermostat for the room. No matter the circumstances, they stay even-keeled and poised. Stockton’s teammates see this every day.
“He’s always got a smile on his face, no matter what the circumstances are he’s always smiling,” Lovett said. “He’s a great guy to be around. He’s a great leader. I feel like no matter what’s going on he’s very poised, and I feel like he can control the room.”
Receiver Arian Smith echoed that sentiment: “He’s going to come in and be positive, have a positive mindset, and bring guys along with him.”
A leader’s attitude is contagious. If a leader is steady, the team is steady. If a leader is confident, the team is confident. Respect follows those who show up every day with an unshakable, positive presence.
4. Leaders Are Consistent
One of the greatest tests of leadership is consistency. Anyone can show up with energy and effort for a day or two. True leaders do it every single day.
Junior offensive tackle Earnest Greene III highlighted Stockton’s remarkable consistency: “It’s easy to do what you’re supposed to do for one day or two days, but seeing someone be the same person over the course of, I guess two months now, really just his consistency stands out.”
Stockton is not waiting for the title of “starting quarterback” to act like a leader. He’s leading today, and his teammates respect him for it.
For more on the subject of consistency, read 7 Lessons from Nick Saban on Being Infected By Success and Consistency of Performance.
5. Leaders Deliver Positive Results When It Matters Most
Ultimately, respect is fully earned when preparation meets performance. The key question is whether Stockton has what it takes to be Georgia’s starting quarterback. The answer? If he combines the way he ran the ball in the SEC Championship with how he threw in the Sugar Bowl, he is more than capable.
Conclusion
The signs are all there: work ethic, knowledge, positivity, consistency, and the ability to rise to the moment. Gunner Stockton is showing that leadership is not about waiting for your chance — it is about leading today so that when the opportunity comes, you are ready.
For all aspiring leaders, take note: Respect is not demanded; it is earned. And if you follow Stockton’s example, you will earn it every single day.
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