Leadership Lessons = LESS ME…MORE WE

One of the unexpected challenges coaches usually run into (speaking for myself) as they get caught up in the day to day planning of getting the team prepared for the upcoming season, is the naming of Captains without actually instructing the Captains as to what is expected from them.

I am NOT a believer in using seniority as the criteria for selecting a Captain. Being a team Captain means much more than counting during warm ups and meeting with the refs before a game. It means they are or at least should be the “coaches on the court” during the game and “role models” off the court.

They should be an extension of the coach in every way.

I came across an article about the leadership lessons of USAF General Colin Powell and found four that can easily relate to high school sports.

Lesson #1:
"Being a responsible Captain (or leader) sometimes means making people mad."
Good leadership involves responsibility to the welfare of the group, which means that some people will get angry at your actions and decisions. Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity. Always stand firm on your principles and on what is expected from the team and always do what is right. Treat everyone fair, but not necessarily equal.

Lesson #2:
"Never neglect small details. “
When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant. The best game plan in the world is worthless if it can't be implemented rapidly and efficiently. Keep the team focused and on the task at hand. Don’t allow distractions, even small ones, they can have a dramatic effect on the team mind-set before or during a game. The goal is to have the team’s mind on the game all day long, not just the five minutes before the game starts.

Lesson #3:
"You don't know what you can get away with until you try."
You know the expression "it's easier to get forgiveness than permission?" Well, it's true. Good leaders don't wait for the coach to tell them what to do, they instinctively know or try things out. They're prudent, but not reckless. If you see that a defensive personnel switch needs to happen or maybe a timeout needs to be called…then do it, don’t wait for the coach to do it.

Lesson #4:
"Keep looking below surface appearances.”
Don't avoid doing so just because you might not like what you find. Many times you can help prevent trouble by keeping your finger on the pulse of the team and being proactive by dealing with a problem before it becomes a major disruptive issue. That means dealing with tardiness, petty arguments and immature behavior BEFORE it becomes a problem.

Be the best you can be.

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