Leadership in Sports

Limitations to Leadership

• Insecurity- people need constant validation, cover up with false confidence and ego

• Fear of Rejection- this fear leads to people not taking any action

• Fear of Failure- this fear causes people to play with constant worry and little improvement

Limitations to Leadership

• Not Being Prepared- if you are not ready you cannot fake it

• Moodiness/Drama- People will not follow someone whom they cannot predict

• Lack of Motivation- if you don’t have it, you cannot expect others to

Limitations to Leadership

• Criticism- people don’t follow those who are always negative

• Stubborn- if a leader can’t adapt to change then they fail those who follow them

• Pride- when you are trying to make yourself the best, you aren’t thinking about your team

Standards Vs. Rules

• People rise to reach standards and try to break rules

• Standards are simple and cover much of what athletes need to know to be better

• When a team establishes standards together, then they are all committed to upholding them

Seven Keys to Leading Your Team

1. Be the First to Serve and the Last to be Served

• Dispel the idea of entitlement

• Work harder, take on more responsibilities

• Cannot think “What will I get out of this?”

• Meritocracy• All roles have equal value• Authority is most effective

when used sparingly

What are five qualities on the lists on Page 7 that you think are needed for a good leader?

2. Be the First to Lead by Example and the Last to Violate Team Standards

• You are the first to set the team attitude and the last to lose it

• The attitude of the team will be the most accurate reflection of leadership

Athletic Attitude- Bruce Brown

“Understand and model the core covenants of the team. Be aggressive, confident, disciplined and

complete fearlessly. Be intelligent enough to listen and develop the ability to work and learn. Have faith

in the people you are working with, don’t let your teammates down and always put the team ahead of

yourself. Maintain integrity and your sense of humor.”

2. Be the First to Lead by Example and the Last to Violate Team Standards Cont.

• Learn to take criticism as a compliment

• Performing in sports can be emotional and you must learn to keep your poise through challenges

• Your teammates will always see WHAT you do rather than what you say you will do

3. Be the Lifeline of Communication Between the Coach and Team

• Know what your role is as a leader- have it defined by a coach

• Always be honest and direct

• Be inclusive• Listen to what people

have to say

4. Be the First to Praise Others and be the Last to Brag or Draw Attention to Yourself

• A humble leader takes more than their share of the blame and less of the credit when things go well

• Confidence builder vs. confidence cutter

• Positive, negative, or nothing

4. Be the First to Praise Others and be the Last to Brag or Draw Attention to Yourself Cont.

• Confidence or Arrogance?

• Arrogance and Overconfidence = insecurity

• Show the respect you would expect to receive

5. Be the First to Protect and Defend, the Last to Criticize

• When athletes put on a team’s jersey, there is a sense of pride and family

• Leaders (and coaches/managers) who are loyal will gain loyalty in return

• Never compromise values for personal gain

5. Be the First to Protect and Defend, the Last to Criticize cont.

• There is a time and place to criticize, but once the decision is made, loyalty is required

• Always be willing to admit your mistakes

6. Confront Violations of Team Standards and Recognize Problems

• Establish core covenants

• When dealing with violations, always do so with character

• Always do what is right, not what is popular

• Be vigilant for potential problems

6. Confront Violations of Team Standards and Recognize Problems cont.

1. Before the season starts, discuss potential problems

2. Be specific, and try to do so without emotions3. Determine solutions, ask for help if needed4. Decide on a solution that best fits the team5. Create a plan of action with objectives, timeline,

deadline6. Implement the plan7. Follow up to ensure the problem is solved

7. Be the First to Encourage and the Last to Become Discouraged

• Lead by encouragement, never criticism, fear, or blame

• Things happen quickly during a game- be confident in making a choice

• Stay positive, enthusiastic, and confident; do not succumb to failure, injury, or loss

7. Be the First to Encourage and the Last to Become Discouraged cont.

• When you are passionate about what you do, it will reflect in your actions and attitude

• Worry only about things in your control

• Remain positive

Schedule for the Rest of the Year

• June 9- Finish Leadership Presentation, introduce nutrition

• June 11- Nutrition Assignment• June 13- Nutrition Assignment• June 17- Presentation by Nurse (Nutrition

assignment due)• June 19- Fit testing• June 23- Fit testing• June 25- Sports day