The word “leadership” means different things to different people, and even when folks agree on a general definition there is still debate over whether leaders are born, or if leaders can actually be developed through proper training. Additionally, the net effect of good leadership is also somewhat nebulous and not fully understood, as the leader’s success does, at least in part, depend on the interpersonal dynamics that are present within the team he or she is leading.
Leadership in sports is greatly valued, yet the same sport psychology questions exist about whether leadership can be developed, and the overall net effect of strong, positive leadership. Personally, I am in the camp that believes leadership can be developed (meaning it’s not necessarily an inborn trait), but I also believe there are certain people that not only want to be leaders, but truly embrace the role of leader. In sports, teams with strong leaders are very important to overall team success – and if you are of the belief that leadership skills can be developed then check out the following tips to see how well your leader-in-training is currently doing:
- Do as I do. Good leaders know that simply telling teammates to do something is one thing, but actually doing it with the team is something completely different (and far more effective). For example, if a team captain tells his teammates to stay after practice for additional conditioning yet he doesn’t do this himself, all trust and credibility is immediately lost. A good rule of thumb is to never ask others to do something you yourself is unwilling to do.
- Develop trust, honesty, & respect. These three pieces are vital to leadership success, and can help a team over-achieve beyond what their talents look like “on paper.” Trust teammates will get the job done, be honest when you make mistakes, and respect all team members regardless of their athletic talent.
- Take calculated risks. The old saying “the elephant in the room” implies there is an issue everyone knows exists yet nobody is willing to discuss. Good leaders know that tough situations need to be confronted and addressed, even when things are uncomfortable.
- Enforce rules – even with the star players. Former Yankees manager Joe Torre once said that he gets to know each player individually, but applies the same rules to all. With 5 World Series titles to his resume, I would say that’s great advice!
It really is worthwhile to develop leadership skills, and sports teams can dramatically improve as a result. Simply talking about leadership with kids can help with focus, motivation, and confidence development – which in turn can help develop a strong sense of mental toughness on the team.
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