Be a Leader, not a Follower
Making the uncommon decision to live an uncommon life
Throughout life there are a large amount of opportunities to step forward and take command of a situation, but how many people take advantage of that opportunity?
Often, we as human beings, specifically in a competitive setting, get intimidated by the thought of taking control of a group of people. These instances can occur anywhere from a classroom or conference setting to being under the lights on a Friday night during a football game. In our society, currently, we are looking for people to step up and be leaders and not be afraid to take control.
We have enough people who sit in the shadows and will just take the easy road and follow someone else. So, how do we instill into young people’s minds that we are looking for an individual to take command and do uncommon versus common things? It all starts with the top of the chain of command and then works down, link by link.
To begin, let’s paint the current picture in high school sports. Young men and women from the ages of 14 through 18 all have different characteristics that make them unique. Some are born with talent that people can only dream of, while others are born with a work ethic that will carry them through any adversity thrown their way.
On the other hand, some possess a great attitude and will have a smile on their face while running endless 300-yard shuttles, while some will fade off and look at everything in a negative manner. The list can go on and on of what some athletes are blessed with and others are not, but the characteristic that will make every individual and team different is leadership.
When dealing with athletes we know that there has to be commitment from everyone or else the buy-in to the process won’t work. The coaches have to set an example to the players and then most importantly it’s all about the guys and girls within the locker room who set the standards and communicate the true mission of all the work that’s being put in.
The ultimate question that needs to be asked is, “What is the difference between a leader and just another player?” A common saying, I use to my athletes is, “Leaders don’t have bad days!”
When you look at this statement, think for a second and ask yourself this series of questions.
If I want to be a leader can I just sometimes work hard?
If I want to be a leader can I sometimes start behind the line?
If I want to be a leader can I sometimes be positive and have low energy?
The answer to these questions if you truly want to be a leader is no! The reason for leadership within a team is to create a standard and a belief system that everyone looks towards and follows, so if the leader or leaders of the team slack off and just “take it easy” for one day then the purpose of all of this is being left behind.
To continue, being a leader is not an easy task. It takes sacrifice and commitment to not just others but yourself as well. To become a leader there are things you must possess and show daily. You have to hold yourself accountable before you can hold others accountable.
The characteristics that we represent here at Performance Course are the musts of what we look at in young athletic leaders: effort, attitude, desire, consistency, and belief. These words are what define leaders and great people not just in sports but in everyday jobs and activities as well. The weight behind these words is important for leaders because if I am looked at as a leader and am the person people turn to when things get hard or when they need advice, then I have to have a great work ethic that coincides with effort. I have to be there consistently for my teammates, not just someone that shows up. I have to bring everything I have to the table whether it’s a workout, practice, or game.
I have to want to be there and go through all of this hard work and sacrifice, which goes with desire because I know what’s at the end of the tunnel. There is a purpose to everything. Finally, I have to bring a great attitude and believe in my teammates and coaches every single day no matter the circumstances.
Leaders must show up with their heart and soul fully poured into the process with the understanding that there are going to be lofty expectations put on them, but for good reason. They have to be able to adapt to certain situations and carry the torch through any chaos that is thrown their way. With people like this involved with a team, the chance of success will be elevated substantially.
Overall, leaders aren’t found everywhere and the duties of a leader can be looked at as a little unrealistic at times. The lessons, though, that can be taught through stepping up in a simple and crucial situation can be monumental. Starting behind the line has just as much meaning to a leader as winning a championship. That’s what separates leaders from normal people. How they do anything is how they do everything. Leaders are willing to go through all the hardship and more to chase winning while people who just want to be in the background wonder why things don’t go their way. Leaders are rare while followers are common.
Which one do you want to be?
