Post 2699: Lead Across Levels

Malcolm Gladwell shared a different interpretation of David and Goliath in the Valley of Elah. David served his people as a deadly accurate marksman firing 60 mph projectiles. Goliath was a giant with acromegaly, blinded by a pituitary tumor impinging on his optic nerve pathway. Goliath had no shot. 

Leaders arise at any age. Cal rugby coach Jack Clark emphasizes that he expects leadership from freshmen. They lead by knowing their job, not being a distraction, and being ready for opportunities. 

Young leaders don't 'steal' leadership or roles. They supply and/or supplement leadership. One of the great leaders in Melrose volleyball history was Victoria Crovo. As a freshman, 'the V-Rex' was the best player on her club in a sectional defeat. She earned captaincy as a sophomore as the extension of her excellence.

 Lolly Daskal informs why leadership at all levels benefits an organization. 

• "It fosters a culture of growth and development. When employees feel that they have opportunities to grow and develop as leaders, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work.
• It helps to build a strong leadership pipeline. 
• It promotes collaboration and teamwork. When everyone is a leader, there is less emphasis on hierarchy and more focus on teamwork and collaboration. 
• It helps to build resilience and adaptability. 
• It leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. When there are leaders at every level, there are more perspectives and ideas." 

The best teams are often "player-led." More leaders add perspective and nuance to solve problems. The words, "what if" and "have you thought about" sometimes separate success and failure. 

On a basketball site, I asked coaches what disrupts team chemistry, the opposite of leadership. The answers included responses from elite coaches and a former player from a UCLA National Championship team. Here's a sample:

"A selfish player who truly thinks he is better than he is. He's greedy, berates his teammates and thinks he knows more than coaches. When he's benched for abhorrent behavior and play detrimental to the team, he degrades the staff to other players."

"self-absorption by coaches and players"

"Me-guys.. worried about their own situation & not much regard for the team, then complaining quietly on the bench trying to get teammates on their side.. “yeah, you should be playing over that guy...”"

"Agendas."

"Conversations at the dinner table and after games"

Ego can block young leadership. Some upperclassmen with big egos won't accept "team first" behaviors. Experienced coaches see this and give players the choice to embrace team or leave. 

Return to core values from Coach Don Meyer - passion, unity, servant leadership, humility, and thankfulness. Excellent leaders commit, put the team first, serve, respect the game, and appreciate the opportunity at hand. Leaders serve. 

Lagniappe. Passing the ball high instead of over the net.