I recently went one on one with former Green Bay Packers defensive end Michael Montgomery.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Michael: My mother, being a hall of fame basketball player and having amazing character really shaped my life. You can be successful in sports and still have amazing character.
Not making the football team on my first try in high school. Survival cardiac arrest at Texas A&M. Transitioning from the NFL.
Adam: What is the most surprising thing about life in professional football? What is something that would shock fans?
Michael: Not everybody on your team is your friend. But the friends you do make are for a lifetime.
Adam: What are the best lessons you have learned through your career in football that are applicable to those of us who will never earn a living playing sports?
Michael: How to compete: There are two types of competition: competition with others, and yourself. Football teaches both. When you face an opponent, you have to study film and think critically about how to beat them, come up with a game plan, and make that plan come to life.
How to be disciplined: From the schemes our coaches drew up, to early-morning workouts, to the focus required to keep my grades above a certain level, I needed discipline for every aspect of the sport. By the time I finished football, I had no choice but to understand discipline and enforce it throughout the rest of my life.
How to work hard: I earn a name for myself by outworking your teammates.
How to lead: Leadership is a billion-dollar industry. Managers pay for leadership training, and they pay to learn how to lead themselves. Coaches lead teams, but only to a certain extent. A leader is someone that encourage their teammates when the score isn’t in their favor.
How to follow: Before you can lead, you have to know how to follow. Study how other leaders do it, how they inspire others and motivate the people around them, and when to stand up for something and when to let the coach do their job. Everyone needs to know how and when to follow.
Adam: Who is the best teammate you ever had and why? What are the characteristics of a great teammate?
Michael: Donald Driver. He is a superstar with amazing personality to go with it. I witness how he came to work every day. Whether it was practice or games. He would give 100 percent. Family man, great role model, on and off the court. Learning how to adapted when newer receivers start to perform well, he switched position and still remain consistent in his performance and won a super bowl because of it. DD led by example, hard worker, scrappy, humble.
Adam: Who are the greatest leaders you have played for and with and why?
Michael: High school coach Paul Essary. He was the coach that persuaded me to play football again. The first year was tough, we only won 2 games. The faith he showed through out the year was never waiver. The following year went had successful season and went to playoffs. Showing faith in the face of adversity.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Michael: Experiences and education. I hold my most respect for people that payed there dues and done what their asking off others.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Michael: Self-education and experience. You have to be continuously evolving in learning.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to leaders and aspiring leaders?
Michael: Learn how to motivate others. Become an expert facilitator. Define areas of strength and areas for improvement.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Michael: Coach Mike McCarthy of Dallas Cowboys – he was my coach at Green Bay 2006 – 2010 – told me to “Be a Star In Your Own Role”. At the time I’m struggling in the NFL because I wasn’t a star and I was be rarely getting in playing time. After hearing that message, I focused on what I can control, which was my attitude and effort when I get into the game.
