Optimizing team performance requires skillful and effective leadership. Coaches at all levels of play from high school to national teams are appointed as leaders, but leadership is never automatically granted. It demands knowledge, insight, hard work, and the respect of team members. Often, players perform crucial leadership roles too. All teams need talented and experienced players, but good leadership can transform an average team into a great one. Let's examine leadership more closely.

What is Leadership?

Where does leadership begin? It starts with a consistent emphasis on "team" and an attitude of "we." This basic foundation allows for a challenging yet encouraging setting where individuals are rewarded for laying it all on the line for the group. Great leaders also empower their athletes to become personally responsible for setting and achieving goals which benefit everyone (See the May 1996 Mental Equipment: The Art of Goal Setting).

Common Pitfalls

Another problem arises when team members are treated exactly the same without regard to their individual backgrounds and needs. This usually happens when coaches set and enforce too many rules without respecting the diversity of individual players. No two players on a team are the same, so motivating them to great feats requires incredible flexibility. Basic rules should never be violated (e.g., giving a total effort, attending practices), but careful attention to diversity will help leaders extract the maximum effort from each player.

Qualities of Great Leaders

 L ove of  Knowledge .... Convinced that learning never ends, 
                           study the sport continually 
 E mpathic............... Genuinely focused on the  
                           perspectives and needs of players 
 A warenss of Self....... Frequently examine own strengths 
                           and weaknesses 
 D etermined............. Competitive and persistent       
 E nergetic.............. Energized for success  
 R esponsible............ Assume responsibility for team 
                           performance 
 S elf-Confident ........ Strongly believe in own abilities   
 H ighly Flexible........ Adapts to many situations 
                           quickly and effectively  
 I nternally Controlled.. Strong sense of inner strength, 
                           purpose, and self-control   
 P ersuasive............. Ability to win others over with 
                           great communication skills 

Activities to Improve Leadership:

1. Frequently elicit feedback from coaches and team members regarding team leadership, morale, needed changes, hopes, and goals. Encourage players to be honest and open. Let them show you what you can do to help them motivate themselves even more

2. Don't be afraid to take an unpopular stand. Sticking by solid principles is not always easy, but the team will ultimately respect your inner strength.

3. Understand the previous administration before implementing your own agenda. Customs change very slowly, so it is wise to know what worked and did not work in the past.

4. Delegate leadership responsibilities to others. It is erroneous to monopolize leadership. Spread the power around and grant others the freedom to add their insight to the overall vision.

5. Meet with each member of your team regularly to allow them a private forum to communicate ideas that are less easily discussed in public.

6. Encourage your athletes to explore issues with a qualified Sport Psychologist, if available. Confidentiality is guaranteed and insight is often gained to deal with both athletic performance and other issues that might be impairing performance.