Leading by Example

Leading by Example

Successful teams share many common qualities, and one of the most important is strong leadership. Regardless of the sport, team leadership is crucial.

In sport psychology, leadership is often broken down into two components: vocal leadership and leadership by example. While you may be picturing an effective leader as a teammate who is easily heard and is always leading others through verbal instruction or words of encouragement, leadership by example is just as important.

While a team may have only a handful of “captains” it is important to remember that every single member of the team can be a leader. Lead by example – it can go a long way!

How to lead by example: The 4 C’s

1.)   Commitment: Go the extra mile for your team. Be the teammate who never misses an optional workout, or who goes for an extra rep every time. Make the team a high priority and be invested in your teammates by going out of your way to spend time with them outside of your sport. Embrace your team membership, and show that you are proud to be part of that family.

2.)   Confidence: No one expects you to be confident 100% of the time, but make an active effort to appear confident. Show your teammates that you have confidence in yourself by focusing on your body language and the ways in which you speak about yourself and performance. Show your teammates that you have confidence in them by going out of your way to encourage them and relentlessly support them when they are struggling.

3.)   Composure: When things start to fall apart, an effective leader keeps it cool, remains calm, and stays composed. Picture yourself as the glue that holds the team together. During times of adversity, be the one who gets the team back on track by focusing on yourself. Focusing on yourself seems like the opposite of what a leader would do, but during high stress moments, focusing on only things that you can control will simplify your situation and keep you poised. Keep your emotions in tact at all times by not getting too high after something good, or too low after something bad.

4.)   Character: Be the model of what your team and sport stands for. Conduct yourself responsibly, and only act in ways that would make your teammates proud to call you one of their own. Getting in trouble in or out of sport can put your team and teammates in a negative spotlight. Lead by example by being an exemplar member of society.

Internalize this 4C’s model of ‘leadership by example’ and encourage your teammates to do the same. Each of these 4C’s are contagious behaviors, and before long, you may be able to see a much more positive team environment. Leadership has to start somewhere… why not you?

Adapted from: Janssen, J. (2004). The team captain's leadership manual: The complete guide to developing team leaders whom coaches respect and teammates trust. Cary, NC: Winning the Mental Game.

Written by:

Scott Graupensperger
Graduate Student, BGSU