Leadership is crucial
for any team, program, or organization to be successful. Many
young people do not understand what it takes to be an effective
captain or leader. I always look for the individuals who are
capable of leading by example and leading vocally. The ideal
situation is if your best player is your hardest worker and best
leader. Only if it was that easy! Too many individuals are
concerned about what their peers think. They are afraid of the
reaction they might get from a teammate or a friend.
A good leader is not concerned about what people think. A good
leader is concerned that everything is getting done the right
way and that the team is being productive on a daily basis. It
is much easier to lead by example. The real leaders speak their
mind.
Coaches often talk about the importance of senior leadership. I
agree to a certain extent. I am more concerned with leadership
from our upper classmen. They should have the experience and
savvy to guide the young players in the program. They need to
lead and continue to raise the bar on a daily basis. Younger
players tend to be followers and they often look for the
veterans to pave the way.
We have three captains in our program and they are similar in
how they lead. They want to play hard and lead by example. The
common denominator is that they are not comfortable holding
their teammates accountable in front of the entire team. They
are too concerned about what their teammates think! A leader
cannot be hesitant or afraid of what people might think. A
leader needs to worry only about doing what is best for the
success of the team and the program.
Being a leader is not an easy job! Certain individuals thrive in
a leadership role and others struggle. Being a captain or a
leader is a privilege. It comes with a lot of responsibility. I
expect our three captains to be an extension of the coaching
staff. We meet with our captains regularly to educate them and
to give them some ideas about being effective leaders. We pick
their brains and we allow them to pick our brains.
It will be a long season if the coaching staff has to lead every
minute of every day. The team needs voices from within.
Our three captains are getting better each day. It is a feeling
out process for them. They are talking more and more each day.
They are doing a better job of leading and holding teammates
accountable. Now they just need to do it on a consistent basis!
