Frank’s New Release- The Art of Exceeding: Building High Performance Athletes
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The following post is an excerpt from The Art of Exceeding
From Champions to Leaders: Becoming Your Team Leader
The distinction between champions and leaders becomes most apparent when we examine the role of a team leader. While winning is a testament to an athlete’s skill, the ability to inspire, guide, and unite a team is what earns long-term success, which is the hallmark of a true leader in the game of life. Let’s look back at Katie and Jake’s secret skills.
1 Defining Leadership
Leadership in sports transcends the boundaries of simply winning. It involves an understanding of one’s role as a captain of a team. Here, we explore Katie’s core principles that defined her as a leader:
- Vision: Katie set a vision that extended beyond individual success. She was able to articulate her needs, fostering unity and shared purpose.
- Empathy: Katie understood the needs and concerns of her team members, from coaches to parents to hitting partners. She showed empathy and provided the support needed.
- Responsibility and Accountability: Katie took ownership of her on-court sessions, mental training sessions, and off-court gym routines. She was accountable for her actions and decisions, recognizing that her choices impacted the entire entourage and her tournament success.
- Fair Play: Ethics are the guiding light of a leader, and Katie had it in spades. She was honored with the USTA Sportsmanship Award several times for her fairness, honesty, and sportsmanship.
2 Ethics and Responsibility
In round 2, Jake played Calvin, who had a poor reputation. On court 16, with no referee in sight, Calvin made a few questionable calls. Jake stared him down with the eyes of an angry predator. Then, he walked away to reset his mindset from the drama Calvin was trying to create. Jake wins the next three games and takes the match in his hyper-focused play.
Leadership in tennis comes with a set of ethical responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
Inspiring Integrity: Jake leads by example, demonstrating that success is achieved through fair play and integrity.
Sportsmanship: Jake was nurtured by his folks to embody sportsmanship. He respected opponents, officials, and other parents, setting a standard of conduct for everyone to see.
Mentorship: Jake always tried to chat with the younger players. He shared insights and enjoyed goofing around with the next generation of champions.
3 The Role of Negotiation Skills
Negotiation skills are pivotal for a leader. Leaders navigate these discussions effectively when negotiating a training schedule with coaches or resolving conflicts within the family unit. When approached with fairness and open communication, negotiation fosters a harmonious environment.
4 The Power of Positive Influence
Katie’s influence extended far beyond the game. She later used her platform as a top college athlete to raise funds to resurface the local park’s eight tennis courts. Katie inspired the broader community. Through her actions, she demonstrated that leadership is not just about winning; it’s about making a positive impact.
5 Navigating Relationships
High performance demands great relationships—between athletes and coaches, parents, opponents, and the unique sports community. Leaders excel in building and maintaining these relationships, understanding that collaboration and respect are essential for sustained success.
We discovered that athletic champions become life champions by embracing their leadership roles. Katie and Jake had those qualities that set them apart. They both had effective communication, the nuances of negotiation, and the emotional intelligence required to manage complicated relationships with their peers, who were friends and rivals.
YOUR TAKEAWAY CHALLENGE
As your team leader, you are responsible for building and maintaining relationships. Collaboration is essential for long-term success, and navigating positive relationships is a life skill worth developing.
