Team Leadership
It's more on you than you think.
All of us have been on a team that lacks leadership—on or off the track. And we’ve all heard the frustrated cries from coaches and athletes, “We have no leadership on this team!”
Complaining about no leadership in the program is more of a failure on the COACH than one might think. The truth is athletes can’t lead without the COACH’s support. You have to do your part so that they can do theirs.
A few things I’ve learned about leadership:
Consistent leadership cannot come from inconsistent people.
Lack of self-reflection ruins your ability to lead your team.
Actions always speak louder than words.
Do what you say you’re going to do, or you will lose the athletes attempting to lead.
Above all things, LEAD from the front.
What do I mean by “lead from the front”?
I mean a lot of things, but here are some examples.
Show up on time/early to meetings, practices, meets, etc. (you’d think this was common sense, but…)
Lift up athletes’ strengths while building up athletes’ weaknesses
Be ready to coach – have a plan to help them reach their potential
Accept your own failures as a coach (no one is perfect)
Give athletes space to ask questions and communicate without judgment
Mentor and teach—not dictate
Questions you can ask yourself:
What support are you giving your leaders when they attempt to lead?
What meetings are you having to guide and mentor your athletes?
How do you communicate with your athletes?
Do your actions match your words?
A great leader in a young person’s life can be life-changing. What will become of the young people you lead?
You are a life changer, so lead with positivity, empathy, and consistency. Go!
Coaches like Coach K and Pat Summit weren’t born great leaders. They learned how to be great leaders.
Some—of many—books and people that inspire me.
Mel Robbins Podcast - conversations about anxiety, habits, mindset, and more.
Jay Shetty’s book—Think Like A Monk
Leading with the Heart by Mike Krzyzewski
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