NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner & best-selling author
Interview comments at Chick-fil-A Leadercast May 4, 2012.
• I really care about what I do, willing to put it all on the line, really passionate about what I do. Passion is more than motivation, hype. Those are temporary. Passion keeps you going when you’re tired, worn out
• Leadership is ability to influence someone else
• Everyone has someone you can you influence, someone is watching you and you will impact and influence them by what you do good or bad, you will impact them by the way you live your life
• Someone else’s life is going be different because of their encounter with you, could be good, could be bad, but you will influence others as you walk through life
• Trying moment: loss to Ole Miss while a Gator, we were’nt the toughest team, we lost because we didn’t have the highest character, we were going through motions, we were not focused. Character is doing something with all your might. We did not do that on that day.
• Discussing how he handles frustration: I consistently work hard and prepare in order to be ready when my number is called, you have to ready and willing to go when you number is called, you have to work hard and prepare when you are not in game so that you are prepared when your opportunity comes. When the opportunity comes you have to be ready to deliver the results.
• Discussing how he handles all the criticism that is often targeted at him: You can’t control what others say or think, but can control your own attitude, you can control your effort and how you work and perform. I don’t worry about what I can’t control and focus on what I can. Don’t waste energy on what you can’t control, criticism, attacks etc, spend energy on only what you can control.
I have learned and know that it doesn’t matter what my future holds because I know who holds my future.
• Leaders don’t get stuck focusing on the attacks, leaders instead focus instead on attitude, effort and executing.
• Discussing his perspective about football and life: At the end of the day it is just a game, I see it as an opportunity to take the platform I have been given to help others in need, to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to make someone else’s life better because I’m here. If you have that attitude it will change your day & your life.
Are you waiting for every day to end or are you trying to get better and hoping to make someone’s day better?
• It frustrates me when celebrities say they aren’t a role model. Yes you are; you’re just not a very good one!
• Discussing being a brand: be real, be who you are ,be authentic, someone who wants to make a difference
• I see everyday as a constant struggle and battle to grow in your leadership
When I get up in the morning I am thinking that I can’t wait to get better today, I want to make someone else’s life better today because I am here
Tebow’s 3 questions to ask yourself as a leader
1. Do you love what you do? A Leader is someone who loves what they do, how can you lead if you don’t love what you do
2. Do you have passion about what you do?
• Leader is someone who loves what they do, how can you lead if you don’t love what you do
• Are you passionate about what you do? Passion comes from down deep, whether you feel good or bad you do it anyway
3. Are you willing to sacrifice? Being a leader requires sacrifice on your part
• Leaders lead by example whether they intend to or not.
• You will make a choice today. What will you choose today?
Grab Your Free
Leadership Reading Guide
©2025 Learning To Lead | Helping Good Leaders Become Great Leaders