TLP133: Faith as a Foundation for Leadership

It’s hard for Cory Procter to not have a good time. In between his motivational and leadership speaker events, spending time with his family and playing the drums, this former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys, the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions, helps others lock into their own power. He talks about his career as an NFL superstar and what he learned while in the trenches. He shares the transition from football to redefine himself as a mentor and coach for the next generation. Cory breaks down common behaviors that drive excellence, and how to use emotions as a tool.   Key Takeaways [3:15] Cory spent six years in the National Football League as an interior offensive lineman, splitting his time between the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins. [3:30] Cory applied his love and knowledge of human behavior and psychology to all areas of life, including in business and leadership. One of his key motivations is to help other athletes learn how to invest their money wisely. [7:38]  Our results reflect where our attention is. When you cut the noise and distractions out of your life and focus on success, you see new opportunities that may have been previously out of sight. [11:46] Great leaders choose carefully who they bring into their team. They build a network around them of others that are high value, rooting for the greater good of the mission, and humble. [13:57] Cory works with athletes on developing a secondary career, passion or hobby so they have something to fall back on when transitioning out of a career as an athlete. [16:50] Great leaders know how to lead, but also know when to let others shine and pitch in. Letting go of control is equated with power. [20:23] Faith is an important part of Cory’s foundation. It provides him with trust in the bigger picture, and allows him to take blessings, fortune and fame with humility and gratitude. [26:44] Leaders are multidimensional. In a given day, there will be many mindsets and perspectives to deal with and the more knowledge you have, the better prepared you are to handle all of them. [30:41] Show up every day with consisenty and grit. Cory recommends finding something you are passionate about, and sticking with it for a long time. Play the long game. [34:29] Identify your own values. It’s important to have emotions, but not let them dictate our actions and next steps. We want emotional leaders,  but we shouldn’t let our emotions be detrimental to success. Quotes “I had a great work ethic, but I had to teach myself the why and the how.” “If you want to be the leader, you have to cut out the distractions and focus your attention.” “It’s a conscious decision to focus on your goal.” “As leaders, we need to choose wisely who we bring in, and then develop those people.” “We can’t handle everything, and we can utilize other people’s strength and gifts.” “Faith lets humility into leadership.” “When you win a battle, you graduate to bigger battles.” “Leaders are indicators, not dictators.” “When we are overflowing with information, we give in a massive way to others.” “The safest approach is the fastest way to obscurity.”       | | |     Thank you to our sponsor: - use code WESTUDYLEADERS for 20% discount   - Are your projects causing you great pain?