All Sports Leaders Should Develop These Qualities
Legendary football coach and Super Bowl Trophy namesake Vince Lombardi once said, “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” If athletes, coaches, team owners, and other sports leaders want to embody the right kind of leadership, here are some qualities they should seek to develop.
Skill at communication
You can be the greatest sports genius the world has ever seen and fail as a leader if you cannot communicate your ideas effectively. Teammates and players have to be on the same page to execute their game plans. Houston Texans owner and businessman Javier Loya of OTC Holdings said, “Organizations like the Texans have many moving parts. Communication is the force that allows these parts to move together like a well-oiled machine.”
Desire to learn
Sports are not just about being stronger and faster than the other team. The best players know the intricacies and details of their sport that give them an edge over their competition. According to LeBron James’ former teammate Iman Shumpert, his “greatest superpower” was his basketball knowledge and not his overpowering physical gifts and talents. A desire to learn is a must-have for any coach or athlete.
Inclusivity
Every athlete on a team plays an important role in their team’s success. This includes all-star starters and third-string players who serve as backups to the starters. Leaders should make these individuals feel like they have a voice and their opinions matter. Javier Loya also said, “Every single player on a team should feel like they contribute something, whether it’s knowledge, physical skill, or ideas that can help their team win.”