I help coach our varsity boys soccer team and have learned some really valuable leadership lessons from our varsity coach. He told the entire program at last year’s banquet we would win the league that we play in, which in the twenty years the school has been around has never happened. We have had many seasons where we only win win or even zero league games and are out of playoff contention half way through the season. At the time, it seemed like a bold claim despite wining two playoff games the year before as the third place team with a a remarkable five game win streak to end the season.
A Seemingly Unachievable Goal
After today though, it no longer seems like a pipe dream. Today we went out and beat the first place team, whom we have never beaten. We tied them once last year, but that was the best we had done in school history. Today we turned the tables winning a thrilling match 3-2 at home. Our team and program has been getting better each year, but the first place team seemed to inspire fear in our players. Now we are stepping into the spotlight and realizing that we can be first place. I have to give a lot of credit to our head coach.
The Difference Great Leadership Makes
Our head coach always has his finger on the player’s pulse. He is exceptionally good at knowing what they need and when they need it. As a leader, this is an incredibly important skill to possess. He puts the time and work in, knows his craft, and makes it all come together. He communicates concisely, but clearly and maintains positive relationships with his players at all times.
What Makes a Great Leader?
Great leaders inspire those around them in transformative way, making the impossible possible through steadfast vision, dedication, and belief. Setting the bar as high as possible, but making sure that the support to reach those lofty heights is in place, not to mention picking followers up when they fall. This definitely fits the bill for our head coach!
Side Note: One of our players was the victim of a robbery and assault at gunpoint right before Christmas Break. He was afraid to come to school due to this trauma. He kept at and with encouragement and flexibility from the coaching staff, went out and scored the second goal in this marvelous win! It was the icing on the cake!
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Discussion Question
What do you think makes a good leader? Are great leaders born or made?
Additional Resources
- Harvard Business Review – Leadership Section: Website
- TED Talks – Leadership Playlist: Website
- Mind Tools – Leadership Skills: Website
- Leadercast: Website
- Center for Creative Leadership: Website
- Inc.com – Leadership Section: Website
- Harvard University’s Leadership Initiative: Website
- Forbes – Leadership Section: Website
- Leadership Freak Blog: Website
- American Management Association (AMA) – Leadership Resources: Website
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