Hall of Fame Insight: What Great Leaders Look Like

This Week’s Question: As you look back at your best leaders, what separated them? What characteristics did great leaders have? 

Jeff Parsons- Wethersfield, Fulton

This is what I would with my captains and players about leadership. I have spoken several times to teams, FCA and other groups about what I think a CHAMPION looks like and it all starts with LEADERSHIP from the top.

I start by telling athletes, “When I was asked to speak to you, it didn’t take me long to decide what I wanted to say. I knew I needed to remind each of you that you are already champions. You are have these traits whether you realize it or not. I believe in you and I hope you believe in yourselves.” 

The traits of leaders that I share with players are the following:

Greg Bennett- Lewistown

Great leaders come in many different shapes and sizes. I have had the pleasure of coaching many leaders over the course of my career, and whether they were a diminutive female point guard, or a hulking middle linebacker, they were a key factor in the success of the teams for which they played. To make a long story short, the better the leadership, the better the team. (In fact the best teams I ever coached actually had the benefit of numerous excellent leaders.) Leaders strengthen off-season programs, make practices more effective, and inspire their compatriots to play and compete at a higher level.

I have had leaders that happened to be the best player on a team, and although that status often helped them gain acceptance as a leader, it wasn’t a necessity. The key to becoming “leadership material,” always came down to the personal connection a player had to his or her teammates. 

There are many qualities that make a leader stand out from his or her peers = leading by example, being the hardest worker, encouraging, motivating, pushing accountability, maintaining intensity, being relentlessly competitive, building others up instead of tearing them down, promoting positivity, being a strong communicator, being honest and having integrity, etc., etc., but perhaps the most important quality, is “being the glue.”

“The Glue” is the factor of leadership that holds a team together. The leaders, through the example they set, the feeling of camaraderie they foster, and the strength of character that they possess, create a special bond with their teammates. They unify different factions within a team, are the caring facilitators of group success, and become a rallying point for the togetherness and “all for one” attitude that allows a team to execute at its highest level. 

Great teams always have very strong glue!

Evan Massey- Galesburg

GOOD LEADERS lead by example. Players make their team better if they exhibit commitment and strong work ethic, they help set a high bar for their teammates. Good leaders are the first in line for drills, are tuned into the coach, and compete throughout practices.

GOOD LEADERS form a partnership with their coaches. They trust their coaches. As leaders, they are tuned into how the team feels. As leaders if they become concerned about attitude issues or interactions issues within the team- they share their concerns with the coaches. They trust their coach to handle things in a way that is best for the team. 

I had many players who were GOOD LEADERS, and helped drive their teammates to be successful, but I had fewer players who were GREAT LEADERS. Two characteristics that allowed GOOD LEADERS to become GREAT LEADERS:

GREAT LEADERS hold their teammates accountable. If a teammate is not practicing hard, they may encourage them first but at some point are willing to call them out. if a teammate is being selfish or pouting, they may encourage them first but at some point are willing to call them out. GREAT LEADERS put the team ahead of friendships. 

GREAT LEADERS rise to the challenge in the toughest times. In the toughest practices, in the toughest game- GREAT LEADERS don’t melt and lose composure. 

Sadly, a lot of GOOD LEADERS disappear as leaders when things get tough or when they, personally are having a bad game. 

GREAT LEADER’S leadership is not effected when they personally make mistakes or are having a bad game. Teammates can’t tell during a game or after a game if a GREAT LEADER is having a great game. In the toughest times, GREAT LEADERS are there for their team, they don’t turn inward and become concerned about themselves. 

In 1999, our Galesburg girls basketball team took 2nd in State. In the Supersectional, we beat Harlem 65-64 in OT, in Elite 8 we beat Loyola 56-54, and in Semifinals we beat Lincoln 41-39. Obviously to make such a run, the players needed talent- they were talented. 

As I look back, I am convinced that we were able to win three straight nail biters because of GREAT LEADERS. Our senior leaders never melted under pressure, and as a result none of the other players did. As coaches, we never had to “counsel” any player who was struggling. As coaches, we never had to “plead” with the team to not give up or to stick with it. 

In the toughest of times, our seniors never flinched. In the toughest times, the team followed their lead. 

Thom Sigel- Rock Island

   

As I thought about the topic "What Great Leaders Look Like" my mind went in a number of directions.  There were some additional questions included when the topic was sent, but I am not sure how well I can organize how I answer this topic. I will give it a shot.

   First of all, it is probably hard to see a leader at first glance.  Sometimes there are people who think they are leaders so they make themselves noticeable and the first impression might be that they are a leader.  However, once you are around them, you realize they are not a true leader.  I believe this is because the true indicator of a great leader is how people react to them.  So sometimes it is easier to notice great leadership by watching the ones they are leading rather than the person.

  I think there are many forms of leadership, but two traditional categories most talk about are "vocal" leaders and those who "lead by example".  I don't think all leaders need to be vocal, but even vocal leaders need to set an example by their actions.  I don't believe those who don't walk their talk lose respect from others, while leaders who set a good example with their actions garner more respect as a leader.  Along those lines, leaders should be willing to take on any task for the good of the team and not act like they are above some tasks.

   Leaders should put others above themselves and build relationships through caring about those around them.  These relationships should include holding others accountable and being honest even if it isn't always positive.  I have found that over time, more people respect leaders who don't sugar coat everything and tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear.

   I believe leaders should also be able to share their vision and be organized.  Being organized helps reach goals and is easier for others to follow the vision.

   I have had conversations with other coaches who agree that you can vote on and/or assign captains, but you can't designate the team leaders.  Sometimes your captains are your leaders, and sometimes the captains and leaders aren't the same players.  

  Some kids do have natural leadership skills and are viewed as leaders on the team.  I have witnessed the dangerous situation when these leaders don't lead in the direction you would like them to.  This type of negative leadership can create huge problems on a team.

   I have also been fortunate to have great leaders who set a great example every day, put the team first, and who hate to lose.  This is very valuable when your best players are these types of leaders.  These players help set a tone in the off season, at practice, and even in the locker room.  Any coach who has had talented teams with their best players who are great leaders will tell you how special those seasons are.