Key elements for leadership teams
Issue: Volume 30 Number 3
Leadership groups have become very popular in sporting teams over the past few years. Even the media have now become comfortable using the term ‘leadership group’ and respect its role in clubs and teams.
So why has it become fashionable to have a leadership group in sporting teams?
There are several reasons why:
- Society has changed — People increasingly want input into the direction of their lives and community. They no longer tolerate being ordered what to do — they demand consultation and communication. Governments and businesses have shifted to more open, transparent and accountable ways of operating. Players have grown up in a society where authoritarian models do not work — their parents have changed and their teachers have changed, so accordingly, their coaches must change.
- It makes sense — Players have to solve problems and make decisions on the field that determine the outcome of the game. Coaches can coach off-field and at training, but have limited impact on the field in the heat of battle. Better problem-solving and decision-making occurs when people ‘own’ their performance and are responsible for the outcome.
- Players are smarter — One impact of the internet and the improved electronic literacy of players is that they have access to ideas, techniques and skills that once were hidden away in coaching education texts. Professional players are comfortable using video analysis to evaluate their performances. Players have views and opinions about their performances that can add real value to their coaching program.
- We understand leadership more — There are many books about leadership from every possible angle: business, financial, corporate, political and biographies. Lots of people are thinking about, talking about and writing about what leadership is and how to develop it.
Ten key elements of a successful sports leadership team
1. Learn to lead
You can call yourself a Formula One driver or the King of Persia but unless you have training and education in how to drive fast or lead a nation, you will not do it very well. Leadership is the same. Just appointing or electing a group of players to a leadership role and expecting them to do it well will not work. You would not give them a ball and say ‘OK, now you’re a talented player’ without coaching, education, teaching, training, practice, feedback and development. Great leadership groups need to be trained and educated in how to lead.
2. Real power
Some coaches ‘talk the talk’ about empowerment, engagement and players owning decisions but when push comes to shove, they take the power off the leadership group. Giving a leadership group limited power to make decisions then taking it off them as soon as the team is under pressure denies the group any sense of responsibility — it is a leadership group in name only.
3. Consistency
The same rules must apply to the leadership group that apply to the rest of the team. People do not tolerate double standards or inequity within teams. Everyone plays by the same rules or there can be no trust — and without trust, teams do not succeed.
4. Real meaningful decisions
Some clubs allow the leadership group to make decisions about jersey colours, where the team will go for the end-of-season holiday, what food to eat at the annual presentation dinner and not much else. Teach the leadership group to lead and trust them to make significant decisions, and to own and implement them. And to be held accountable for them!
5. Responsibility and accountability
Responsibility and accountability. Responsibility and accountability. Are you getting the idea yet?
6. Honest, regular feedback
Athletes grow from receiving honest, regular feedback. Leaders grow the same way. Provide opportunities for leaders to give and receive honest feedback from their peers, team-mates, coaches, staff and management. Do not be afraid of conflict. People who trust each other can give honest feedback and learn, grow and improve through vigorous (even heated) debate.
7. Flexibility
The old models of leadership were based on hierarchy and rigid vertical structures. Modern leadership is based on flexibility and dynamics that respond to changing needs and circumstances. The leadership group should be a dynamic, living group that is comfortable responding to whatever challenges it confronts.
8. Communication
Leaders must listen ten times more than they talk. Leaders who listen to, respect and care about the views of the people they represent are the greatest of all leaders.
9. Start ’em young
Just as you would not wait until a player was 25 to teach them how to kick, pass, run or jump, if you want leaders — train ’em young. Ensure a significant and well-structured leadership development program is integral to your elite player development program.
10. The culture virus
Culture changes and grows from the inside out. Provide systems, structures and opportunities for the leadership team to ‘infect’ the rest of the team with a winning culture and positive attitudes.
So enjoy the ‘new’ leadership. Help players learn to lead, and provide them with the environment and opportunity to evolve into quality leaders and your team, players, club and sport will all benefit.
